Tega Cay leaders share underwhelming results of deer culling operation [Video]

TEGA CAY, S.C. (WBTV) – The Tega Cay City Council shared the results of its recent deer culling operation, with the number killed far below what sharpshooters were allotted.

The operation came after years of the community complaining about the deer problem, with many concerned about the increase in the number of car crashes involving deer and the mess they leave behind in yards.

In December, the council approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cull 80 deer at the Tega Cay Golf Course by way of a sharpshooter. Then in January, permission was given to double that number. The operation came with a price tag of nearly $95,000.

Officials said that during the first round of culling, only 21 deer were removed. Only 17 were killed in the second round, bringing the total to just 38 deer – far below the city’s goal of 160.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, those behind the program blamed the …