7.3 PRSR 06-12-2019
Request for Action
To
Mayor and City Council
Item Number
7.3
Agenda Section
Action
Meeting Date
June 12, 2019
Prepared by
Tim Sevcik, Street and Park Superintendent
Item Description
Deer Herd Management Plan
Reviewed by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, authorization to conduct controlled archery deer hunts within select park units.
Background/Discussion
The city began conducting controlled archery deer hunts in an effort to control deer populations within
city parks in 2016. Staff and volunteers have worked with hunters over the past years to modify and
refine the hunts in order ensure public safety, hunt efficiency and effectiveness.
In 2018 64 hunters applied and 26 hunters were selected to participate in the hunts. Hunters observed
683 deer during the hunt period and harvested 22 deer.
Hunters are randomly selected by a lottery preference point system with 26 total permits available. All
hunters selected must complete an archery proficiency test and attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation
meeting. In addition, an application fee of $10 is required at the time the application is submitted.
Parks included in the 2019 hunt are Harris Island, Camp Cozy, Sedge Meadow, Birch Meadow, Alba
Ridge, Woodland Trails Regional Park and Hillside City Park. A total of 13 hunts zones will be available
to hunt with two hunters assigned to each zone. Hunters may apply as individuals or in teams of two,
individual hunters will be partnered with another hunter within their zone.
The purpose of these hunts is to reduce deer densities in large park units to reduce car/deer collisions
and protect native habitat. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does, however bucks may be harvested
with antler point restrictions. Hunters are required to purchase a Minnesota deer archery license and
follow all application state hunting regulations. Deer harvest limits will follow the established limits from
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Financial Impact
$10 application fee due at time of application
Attachments
None