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<br /> <br />Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />To Item Number <br />Mayor and City Council 4.18 <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br />Consent June 21, 2021 Tim Sevcik, Street and Park Superintendent <br />Item Description Reviewed by <br />Deer Herd Management Plan Justin Femrite, Public Works Director <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Approve, by motion, authorization to conduct controlled archery deer hunts within select park units. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />The city began conducting controlled archery deer hunts to control deer populations within city parks in <br />2016. Staff and volunteers have worked with hunters to refine the hunts to ensure public safety, hunt <br />efficiency and effectiveness. <br /> <br />In 2020, the Council approved these program changes, combining Harris Island and Camp Cozy into one <br />hunt zone, requiring hunters to be Elk River residents, and modifying the lottery preference point system to <br />be consistent with other special permit hunts throughout the state. No changes are recommended for 2021. <br /> <br />Hunters are randomly selected by a lottery preference point system. Those selected must complete an archery <br />proficiency test, attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation meeting, and pay a $10 application fee. <br /> <br />2021 parks include Harris Island/Camp Cozy, Sedge Meadow, Birch Meadow, Alba Ridge, Woodland Trails <br />Regional Park and Hillside City Park. 12 hunt zones will be available with two hunters assigned to each zone. <br />Hunters may apply as individuals or in teams of two, individual hunters will be partnered with another hunter <br />within their zone. <br /> <br />The goal is to reduce deer densities to reduce car/deer collisions and protect native habitat. Hunters are <br />required to purchase a Minnesota deer archery license and follow all applicable state hunting regulations. <br />Deer harvest limits will follow the established limits from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />$10 application fee due at time of application <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> Deer Herd Management Rules <br /> <br />