07-28-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Mayor Keis and City Council Members Chris Heineman, City Administrator July 28, 2021 2021 Deer Control Program ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The City Council is asked to provide direction on if a special deer hunt should be allowed in 2021. If the City Council wishes to authorize a special deer hunt in 2021, a motion to direct staff to work with Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB) on specific details is requested. BACKGROUND: Over the past twenty years, the City Council Little Canada has maintained a deer management program involving education and periodic removal of deer. The previously stated goals of the program are: • To prevent starvation and disease from overpopulation of deer • To reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents involving deer • To preserve and protect the land of property owners • To maintain a population at a “socially acceptable” level Aerial survey data collected by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation indicated that the northeast part of the City (including a portion of Maplewood) showed dramatic growth in the deer population from 2003 to 2010. Control efforts were started in 2010, and the numbers appear to have been substantially reduced. City staff also reviewed best practices and consulted with other professionals regarding population control options. The results are as follows: 1) Fertility Control Drugs - Estimated cost is $200 to $500 per deer. Very labor intensive - average 8 man-hours per deer. Must be administered to high percentage of female segment to produce any results. Does not reduce current population. Future doses may be necessary. Research has not shown this to be a viable solution for urban deer issues. 2) Sharpshooters - This option is expensive. Pricing is likely in the range of $200 to $300 per deer. While this technique has proved effective in other Ramsey County areas, it was felt other options should be pursued first. 3) Urban Bowhunting Through Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB) - Most cost efficient and safe method for reducing urban deer populations. Bowhunters can apply and are required to pass education and proficiency tests before approved to hunt. The City, in conjunction with MBRB, can decide on hunting details to best fit specific situations. Hunting takes place during the State of Minnesota archery season. 4) Allow Private Hunting Through a Permitting Process and Utilizing the Bow and Arrow Deer Hunting Season – This method is used by the City of Vadnais Heights pursuant to set criteria. Given the lack of large, privately owned sites and the concerns about controlling hunter activity, this option has been employed on a very limited basis for large parcels (>25 acres).