4.3. SR 11-07-2016 Eclty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent November 7,2016 Tim Sevcik, Parks Superintendent
Item Description Reviewed by
Deer Herd Management Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve,by motion, changes to the Deer Herd Management Program rules for 2016 to include Sundays
as available days to hunt and to allow hunters to harvest up to two deer within the parks.
Background/Discussion
At the August 15, 2016, Council meeting, the City Council approved controlled archery deer hunts within
select park units within the city including specified hunt rules to manage the hunts. Twenty hunters were
selected through a lottery drawing and attended the mandatory pre-hunt orientation meeting on
September 7, 2016;hunting commenced on September 17, 2016.
On October 26, 2016, the deer herd management team discussed potential changes to the hunt rules
based on hunter feedback. The team recommends two rule changes to increase hunter participation,
improve the quality of the hunts, and provide hunters with a greater opportunity to harvest deer.
Adding Sundays as an available hunt day allows an expanded opportunity in the field. Due to the
decreasing daylight hours,hunter participation in the field has diminished as the hunters are unable to
participate in the mornings and evenings due to work schedules. Daylight savings time on November 5,
2016,will further inhibit participation for the season which ends December 31, 2016.
Additionally, the team recommends increasing the one-deer limit to a two-deer limit to encourage hunters
to harvest does within the parks. Hunters said they have had the opportunity to harvest does they do not
want to utilize their one park permit for a doe. Increasing the limit to two deer will allow hunters to
harvest a doe while preserving their opportunity to harvest a buck. Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources regulations authorize a two-deer limit for the permit zone encompassing Elk River.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the city General Fund.
Attachments
■ Amended Deer Herd Management Plan
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I �►•�-� Deer Herd Management Archery Hunt
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As the metro area has continued to expand,parks have become enclosed with roadways and
developments,isolating deer populations. With the lack of sufficient natural predators, deer
populations have increased beyond the carrying capacity of the land. In an effort to control deer
populations,increase public safety on the roadways,and minimize impacts on the environment as
well as private property surrounding park land; the City of Elk River recommends implementation
of controlled archery deer hunts. The intent of these hunts is to maintain a healthy population of
deer within the parks while minimizing the damage as a result of over population.
Hunts will be managed by volunteers appointed by the City of Elk River.
The hunts will follow the current year MN DNR deer hunting regulations with the following
additional restrictions.
Type of hunt
For hunters 18 and older,harvest limit will be a management hunt (two deer limit with only one
deer being a buck) with antler point restrictions.
Antlered bucks having at least one 4-point antler may be harvested. Bucks with less than one 4-
point antler are not legal to harvest.
For disabled hunters and hunters 17 years of age and under,harvest will be a management hunt
hunters' choice (one deer of either ,.e two deer limit with only one deer being a buck and with no
antler point restrictions).
This is a walk-in hunt. All Elk River City parks are closed to public motor vehicle use. Vehicles
must be parked in designated areas and display their vehicle permit;hunters are required to access
their hunting location on foot. The retrieval of harvested deer must also be on foot,non-motorized
carts for hauling deer are permitted.
Eligibility
All hunters must have a valid MN DNR archery license (including management license when
applicable)
All hunters must possess a current year City of Elk River hunting permit.
All hunters must attend a pre-hunt orientation meeting.
All hunters must be at least 18 years old to hunt alone.
Youth less than 18 years of age may hunt if they have both a valid MN DNR license and a qualified
adult supervisor. The adult supervisor must also possess a valid license or have completed a MN
DNR education/safety course, and must remain in very close proximity (<50 feet) of the youth at all
times. Both the youth and the adult supervisor must complete their applications as a party. There
must be one adult supervisor 21 or older to each youth under 18. Hunters under 18 years of age
must shoot their own deer.
Individuals with a big game violation in the last three years are not eligible to participate in this hunt.
Violation of this rule will result in a lifetime hunting ban for this hunt.
Application and Fees
Application fee: $5 per person due at the time of application submission
Applications are due by August 29"', 2016.
Successful applicants will be notified by August 31", 2016.
Successful applicants must attend a pre-hunt orientation on September 7, 2016 at 7pm at the Elk
River Public Works Building, 19000 Proctor Road,Elk River,MN 55330.
Processing fee: $25 per person due at the pre-hunt orientation
Hunter Selection
Twenty (20) hunters will be selected by lottery for the archery hunt in 2016, 9 primary and 11
alternate. Primary hunters will have first priority in harvesting a deer. Upon successful harvest of a
deer by a primary hunter, or if a hunter chooses to no longer participate,an alternate hunter will be
notified of the opportunity to hunt.
Each hunter must successfully complete an archery proficiency test consisting of placing 4 out of 6
shots into an 8" diameter target at 20 yards before applying. Your proficiency may be certified by
making arrangements to have it witnessed at Tales and Trails Sport Shop in Zimmerman. Tails and
Trails Sport Shop will charge a $10 fee for this service.
Lottery priority points are awarded as follows;
One point for each year of unsuccessful selection.
One point for antlerless deer harvest the previous year. The harvest of button bucks is
discouraged.
One point for Elk River residency.
Each applicant will get one chance in the lottery,plus one additional chance for each bonus
point.
Hunting Schedule
Parks will remain open to the public at all times for the duration of the hunt. Hunts will take place
each Sunday,Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday during the archery deer season. One hunter at a
time will be selected to hunt each of the following parks; Harris Island, Camp Cozy, Sedge Meadow,
and Birch Meadow. Woodland Trails Park will have five hunting zones,with one hunter at a time in
each zone. Note,hunts may be canceled at any time if issues arise warranting that closure.
Hunting Area Selection
At the pre-hunt orientation meeting,the nine primary hunters will draw their hunting location.
Hunters may exchange location after the drawing or at any time during the season, should they so
choose.
Emergency Contact Information
For emergencies and to report non-hunting related issues, dial 911.
To report hunting violations dial#TIP on your cell phone, or dial 1-800-652-9093.
Rules of the Hunt
1. All hunters, except those with a handicap exemption, must hunt from an elevated stand a
minimum of 6' from the ground. Approved handicap hunters may hunt in a ground blind
and must be accompanied by a non-hunting mentor meeting the same qualifications as those
needed for youth less than 18 years old.
2. Only portable stands supplied by the hunter are allowed. Permanent stands are not allowed.
3. Screw-in type steps are not allowed. Stands must be accessed by strap on steps or ladders.
4. All portable stands shall bear the name of the City of Elk River Hunter ID visible within five
feet of the ground.
5. All hunters in stands must wear a safety harness while in stand.
6. Only one stand per hunter.
7. Stands may be placed the afternoon beforeyour bunt and may be left for the entire three day hunting
period. Stands left unattended are at your own risk.
8. An article of blaze orange clothing must be worn when traveling to and from your hunting
location.
9. All entrails of harvested deer shall be removed intact in a plastic bag and disposed of
properly.
10. It is permissible to establish minimal shooting lanes. Only brush, small tree branches (1"in
diameter or less) and buckthorn of all sizes may be removed for this purpose. No trees,big
or small may be cut during the process.
11. For the morning hunt, each hunter must be in stand a minimum of one hour before sunrise
and stay on stand until at least 90 minutes after sunrise,unless tracking a hit animal.
12. For the evening hunt, each hunter must be on stand a minimum of two hours before sunset.
13. The timing of the tracking of wounded deer is up to the individual hunter. Your bow may
be carried while tracking on city park property,but not private property. Please ask
permission before entering private property,whether it is posted or not.
14. To ensure the safety of the hunters,all hunters must contact the hunt manager one hour
after sunset on each night of the hunt to alert the manager of their status.
15. Kills and wounded animals must be reported within 24 hours of harvest by contacting the
hunt manager.
There is zero tolerance for breaking any rules of the hunt. Violators hunting privileges for
Elk River's deer herd management hunts will be suspended immediately and they will not
be permitted to apply for future hunts.
I have ready the above rules and agree to abide by them.
I, as the applicant, am fully aware of the inherent risks and hazards associated with hunting
and the use of archery equipment. I knowingly and expressly assume the risk ofmy
exposure to dangerous conditions. This assumption ofrzsk does not extend to the willful,
wanton, or intentional misconduct by the City or anyperson acting on behalf of the City.
I, as the applicant, understand and agree that neither the City ofElk River, or anyperson
acting on behalf of the City, may be held liable in any way for any event which occurs in
connection with the hunting activity which may result in harm, death, injury or other
damage to me. This waiver ofliability does not waive liability for any injuries that I obtain
as the result of willful, wanton or intentional misconduct by the City or anyperson acting on
behalf of the City. Further, I as the applicant will fully defend and indemnify the City ofElk
River from any claims,lawsuits, causes ofaction, or judgments arising or resulting from my
activities.
Last First Full middle name
Name
Address
Date of birth
MNDNR#
Email
Cell phone
Home phone
Signature
Parent Signature if applicant is less than 18