Urban Deer Population Control�June 16, 2020– City of Mahtomedi

MNDNR Staff:

Scott Noland – Area Wildlife Manager

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Overview

• Population Estimate and Goals
• Management Options
• Non-lethal Options
• Removal Options
• Q and A

Population Estimate and Goal

• Recent estimates from City of Mahtomedi deer surveys show 23 – 28 deer sq. mile
• Recommendation is 10-20 deer per 640 acres (square mile) of suitable habitat;
• Contiguous area of general forest cover without significant areas of industrial, retail, or high density housing. In addition, wetland complexes with a woody component i.e. dogwood, willow, alder, ash, bur oak, etc.
• Recommended goal of 37 – 74 deer within City of Mahtomedi

Deer Management Options

• Non-lethal
• No deer feeding ordinance
• Deterrents (fencing, noise, plantskyd)
• Population control
• Hunting during deer season
• Removal permit outside season framework

Non-lethal Management Options

• No deer feeding
• City implemented ordinance 3.10
• Deterrents
• Sounds
• Lights
• Plant deterrents – plantskydd,
• Electric fencing
• Deer resistant plants
• Exclusion fencing
• 10 ft woven wire

Removal Management Options

• Allow hunting during deer season
• The city falls within deer permit are 701, which allows unlimited antlerless deer harvest throughout the season (mid-September-December 31)
• Can be set up as archery only, specified areas of city, special hunts/dates, work with MBRB etc.
• Removal by special permit from DNR
• Removal can be done by trapping, sharpshooters or local PD
• Deer removed go to needy individuals or charitable organization (i.e. food shelf)

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Required Steps Prior to Permit

• LGU decides to control

1. Deer population estimate

2. Deer population goal

3. Public involvement: open process for citizen input such as meetings, hearings or committees.

4. Written management plan to achieve goals.

5. Keep and maintain records of deer/car collisions, citizen complaints.

6. Request in writing for DNR deer removal permit annually to remove specific number of deer.

7. Submit and/or update wildlife control application.

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Permit Requirements

• Non-toxic shot for a safe food product
• A written justification for variance must be submitted with the application to seek Section Chief approval for lead ammunition.
• Permission received from private property owners
• Antler Surrender – antlers are removed from carcass and given to Area Wildlife Manager
• Disposition Plan
1. individuals in need of food in the Metro area with the understanding that the individuals and their families will butcher the deer (or have it processed) and will consume the meat;
2. a charitable organization in the Metro area with the understanding that the meat will go to those seeking assistance from the charity (such as a food shelf or other food assistance charity) following processing by a MN Dept. of Ag licensed processor.

Application Timelines

• Permit requests should be submitted 30 days or more before the implementation start date.
• All efforts will be made to process permits as fast as possible.
• Approval time varies
• Higher levels of approval may be needed for variance requests.
• DNR Enforcement concerns

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Reporting Timelines

• Harvest reports are due to the Regional Wildlife Manager within 10 days of the expiration of the permit.

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• Failure to meet this deadline will be documented in permit files and may impact ability to issue future removal permits.

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Questions?