08-12-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTIJS CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 12, 2009 Moriarty discussed the archery option, noting that such a hunt would likely be after the season by special permit of the DNR. He again pointed out that even awell-shot deer can travel, leaving a blood trail and dying outside the hunt site. While the cost would be minimal (some staff time, cost of feed, processing costs given the hunt would be outside the normal season), there are disadvantages from the public perception standpoint. The City Administrator asked about car•/deer accidents. Moriarty reported that there have been 400 car/deer accidents in Kamsey County this past year. He indicated that 694 between Highway 61 and 35E is very dangerous as is Highway 61 between 94 and 494. Keis asked about the number of deer. Moriarty replied that the deer population has been somewhat stabilized, but has not been reduced. This stabilization is the result of hunts in Vadnais Heights, North Oaks, and on the National Guard property. He reported that the City of North Oaks contracts with a company out of East Bethel for a hunt that begins in November and ends each March. Vadnais Heights allows property owners to bow hunt subject to criteria based on lot size, etc. Boss asked about the training and qualiffcations of the sharp-shooter that the County has used. Moriarty reported that the sharp-shooter has a PHD in wildlife management and has done a lot of deer management work. The County obtained references from other cities in which he has worked. With regard to bow-hunters, Moriarty reported that he works with the Metro Bow Hunters Resource Group to coordinate bow hunts. "1 he bow- hunters must have taken the DNR safety class as well as pass an annual proficiency test. There was discussion about deer feeding, and Moriarty reported that there is deer feeding occurring in this area which increases the concentration of deer. Moriarty reported that most of the deer are moving into Little Canada from the north (Vadnais Heights). He also reported hunts in Vadnais Heights have been coordinated on the Water Utility property ai7d on private property consisting of five acres or larger. Kathy Hanson, I:,aBore Road, asked if does and/or bucks would be taken. Moriarty reported that in Ramsey County there is a limit of one antlered deer, but no limit on the number of antlerless deer that can be taken. Moriarty noted the impact of taking out the does versus bucks. Don Gagne reported that he and Kathy I-Ianson are on the St. John's Cemetery Committee and St. John's has no objection to the use of this property for a hunt. Gagne stated that as a private citizen he would encourage that the deer herd be thinned on the west side of the freeway as well as the east. He noted the impact to his gardens. 7