With the Rye City Council election around the corner on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, MyRye.com is publishing a series of issue focused articles highlighting the views of our candidates running for mayor and for city council.
Today we are highlighting the issue of deer management and the views of each of our three mayoral candidates, Bill Henderson (GOP), Rick McCabe (Ind.) and Josh Nathan (Dem). You can also read our published full interviews with all the candidates (see links below).
Please read our recent reporting on deer and deer management in Rye.
Now learn about the mayoral candidate views on deer and deer management:
Deer Management
The City is assembling its first deer management committee, realizing that the massive overpopulation of deer has decimated our parks, our native plants and gardens and has been one of the factors contributing to the spread of invasive species.
Henderson:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | Yes |
| I support a scientifically informed deer management process, including an ongoing culling program if recommended by experts | Yes |
| If indicated, I would support a culling program utilizing trained and licensed sharp shooters if recommended by experts | Yes, but no guns involved. I believe New York law only permits the use of bows and arrows, not sharp shooters with rifles, near human populated areas. |
McCabe:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | Yes. |
| I support a scientifically informed deer management process, including an ongoing culling program if recommended by experts | Yes. |
| If indicated, I would support a culling program utilizing trained and licensed sharp shooters if recommended by experts | No. |
Nathan:
| Issue | Yes or no |
| We have a serious deer overpopulation problem | We need to find out beyond perception. That is why I supported forming the deer management committee to do the NYS required analysis of the problems residents encounter, the relative size of our deer population, the level and nature of damage caused, and recommend an appropriate management program. The degree and seriousness of our deer situation is best classified through that work. |
| I support a scientifically informed deer management process, including an ongoing culling program if recommended by experts | Yes. The key is for the Council to follow the science and the law. Culling is one of a number of options that may be appropriate. I have no predetermined objection to (or enthusiasm for) any scientifically sound option. Cost is a key factor in evaluating any deer management program. Culling comes with an ongoing cost as you need to do it annually. It is something residents should be heard on. |
| If indicated, I would support a culling program utilizing trained and licensed sharp shooters if recommended by experts | Yes, if that’s what is called for and if that’s the safest method and it is fiscally prudent. The County is open to working with Rye on deer management once the City completes the analysis and obtains the permission required by state law. That may be very helpful in addressing Rye’s needs once we see the committee’s work. |
City code allows for a maximum fence height of six (6) feet on most private property – this is ineffective at deterring deer.
Proper deer fencing in a high deer pressure area should be eight feet (8) feet or higher. Would you support a change in City code that raises the max fence height to eight (8) feet or higher where six feet is currently indicated so residents can protect their private property from deer browse?
Yes or no?
Henderson: No – I don’t think we want Rye to look like Greenwich with high walls around everyone’s property. The answer is to have a robust deer culling and management program.
McCabe: Yes, in concert with other active mitigation measures and with very strict interpretation of “high deer pressure” areas.
Nathan: Yes, if the findings are that increasing fence size will be materially helpful. I would of course ask our land use professionals what other factors we should consider before adjusting the allowable fence height; are there any downsides? Note, fence height, like culling, is one possible element of a deer management plan. Let’s see what the committee recommends based on science and expert input and what it all costs. I support a deer management program that is responsive to the needs of Rye’s residents, is driven by science, and is fiscally responsible.
Lightning Round
Please Answer the following questions Yes or No:
Henderson:
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Yes | But no guns – use bows and arrows. |
McCabe:
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | No | Management, yes…sharpshooters no. |
Nathan:
| Rye needs to reduce its deer population by active management that might include sharp shooters. | Maybe | We have just commenced an assessment of the situation with the formation of the Deer Committee. Completion of that assessment and consideration of available best practices is legally required before we can decide if active management is appropriate and if so, how that would be carried out. |
Read all our candidate interviews:
GOP Slate – Henderson / All in for Rye
- Q&A with Mayoral Candidate Bill Henderson
- Q&A with City Council Candidate James Fee
- Q&A with City Council Candidate Robin Thrush Jovanovich
- Q&A with City Council Candidate Maria Tufvesson Shuck
Independent Rick McCabe / McCabe for Mayor:
Democratic Slate – Nathan, Anderson, Kesavan & Ward for Rye:
- Q&A with Mayoral Candidate Josh Nathan
- Q&A with City Council Candidate Marion Anderson
- Q&A with City Council Candidate Amy Kesavan
- Q&A with City Council Candidate James Ward
