For over twenty years, the Town of Blacksburg has conducted deer culling operations in an attempt to reduce the amount of damage to property and injuries caused by traffic crashes involving deer. In the last five years, the Blacksburg Police Department has responded to over 300 traffic crashes involving deer (nearly 9% of all crashes in the town limits). In 2022, Montgomery County ranked second in the state for the most deer crashes (255, which included 1 fatal crash).

Town of Blacksburg police officers, with the approval of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will continue deer culling over the next couple of months to reduce deer related traffic crashes and slow the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Highly trained officers will conduct this culling in the areas of the town where this can be done safely. While conducting these operations, officers will be in unmarked vehicles and will activate emergency lights before culling deer.

 The meat is tested for Chronic Wasting Disease by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and donated to Hunters for the Hungry once a negative test result is received. As of last year, there have been no cases of Chronic Wasting Disease inside the town limits.

Please contact Lieutenant K.V. Craver with any questions at (540) 443-1438.