CANFIELD — The Mill Creek MetroParks carried out another aerial deer survey on Thursday in its ongoing deer-reduction program, said Nick Derico, natural resources manager for the MetroParks.

Aerial surveys can provide data to help determine the number of white-tailed deer in a geographical area. When the Mill Creek MetroParks’ deer-reduction program was introduced to the public in early 2023, park officials stated that it tried to carry out an aerial helicopter survey in 2022, but the weather conditions were not suitable.

So on Jan. 21, 2022, and Jan. 26, 2022, the park system carried out an aerial infrared survey using thermal imaging mounted on a fixed wing aircraft, according to the deer management plan.

It surveyed 8,908 acres, including a 400-foot buffer on all park district properties, the plan states.

The results showed that there were an average of 387 deer per square mile within the parks, the plan stated. The “recommended population density is 10 to 20 deer per acre to remain “below the Ecological Carrying Capacity,” it explained. Park officials have said the overabundance of deer was destroying the vegetation of the parks.

The initial aerial survey was widely criticized by opponents.

Derico stated in an email Monday that Thursday’s survey was done during the daytime and used a helicopter. It was carried out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

“As detailed in our Deer Management Plan, we have been trying to conduct this type of survey since 2022, but weather conditions (snow cover) and USDA staff availability have never aligned until now,” Derico said.

He said he did not have any results yet to share with the public. “I expect it will be several weeks before I receive a final report from USDA,” he stated.