Municipalities need to choose how to manage deer before the Capital Regional District or provincial government will act.

That decision, made by the CRD board Wednesday, means the recommended framework that was put forward by the regional deer management advisory committee in October will now make the rounds at 13 municipal councils.

The regional deer management strategy includes several options, including culling, public education, fencing and other deterrents. The province that local governments need to implement deterrents before it gets involved in any regional strategy.

"The Board recognized the importance of moving forward with actions to assist farmers in dealing with the crop devastation caused by deer, directing staff to prioritize municipalities with a significant agricultural base," stated a CRD release.