Deer Feeding Ban

Deer wandering the streets of Haliburton isn’t new. After all, the town is built in deer habitat – along the edges of a forest. While well-meaning residents and seasonal visitors have delighted in feeding them for decades, some say the practice has resulted in some serious consequences.

Whether because of several collisions on in-town roads and highways, or the devastation of residents’ prized gardens, deer became public enemy number one to many residents. In the summer of 2023 Dysart Council issued a complete ban on deer feeding within the town’s boundaries. More than a year later, it’s still a contentious issue. Praised by some, many others have condemned it, saying they simply want to help deer survive. In some parts of Haliburton, the ban has pitted neighbor against neighbor, ruined friendships and created a ‘snitch culture’.