Judge allows killing Catalina deer
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A California judge denied an injunction, allowing the Catalina Island Conservancy to start killing nearly all 2,000 mule deer. The cull aims to protect native plants and reduce wildfire risk.
Background
Catalina Island's mule deer are nonnative, introduced over a century ago. The Catalina Island Conservancy, which manages 88% of the island, argues the deer worsen erosion and wildfire risk and imperil native species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the eradication plan in January/February, and the conservancy plans to use contracted hunters over four to five years.
How it unfolded
- Jan/Feb 2026California Department of Fish and Wildlife approves the Catalina Island Conservancy's deer eradication plan.
- Aug 31, 2026LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn sends a letter to Gov. Newsom urging him to stop the plan, but he does not intervene.
- Sep 1, 2026A hearing is held on a lawsuit by opponents seeking a preliminary injunction; the conservancy says it will proceed unless legally required otherwise.
- Sep 2, 2026Judge Curtis A. Kin tentatively denies the injunction, saying the actual eradication phase won't start until June 2027, so no irreparable harm.
- Sep 3, 2026Judge allows the plan to move forward; the conservancy says it will start killing the first 200 deer by the end of October.
Who’s saying what
- Conservancy
- Killing the deer is a 'noble sacrifice' and a necessary step to protect the island's native plants, animals, and residents.
- Opponents
- The plan is a 'slaughter' and the permit was issued unlawfully without proper environmental review.
- Judge
- The injunction is denied because the actual eradication won't begin until June 2027, so there's no irreparable harm.
Still unverified
The claim that the permit was issued with a CEQA exemption and without proper review is from opponents and is part of the ongoing lawsuit.