Laserfiche WebLink
The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community <br />engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br /> <br />Request for Action <br /> <br />To <br />Parks and Recreation Commission <br />Item Number <br />6.1 <br /> <br />Meeting Date <br />May 14, 2025 <br />Prepared By <br />Jeff Shelby, Recreation Manager <br /> <br />Item Description <br />Archery Deer Hunt Steward <br />Reviewed by <br />Jeff Shelby <br />Joe Stremcha <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />The commission will recognize Wayne Becklin for his volunteer efforts with the annual archery deer hunt in <br />the City of Elk River's parks. <br /> <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />Wayne Becklin has been named the official Archery Deer Hunt Steward for the annual deer herd management <br />archery hunt that takes place in the city's parks. <br /> <br />The City of Elk River started the deer herd management archery hunt in 2016. The hunt is currently <br />conducted in six city parks: Woodland Trails Regional Park (split into six zones), Hillside Park (split into two <br />zones), Sedge Meadow Park, Birch Meadow Park, Alba Ridge Park, and Harris Island/Camp Cozy. Prospective <br />hunters apply for the hunt starting in late July and then two hunters are selected for each zone/park by <br />random drawing in the third week of August. The hunt then runs for the entire archery season. <br /> <br />In 2024, 24 hunters were selected from 64 applicants. 19 of the 24 were successful in harvesting at least one <br />deer during the season. A total of 33 deer were harvested, including eight bucks and 25 antlerless deer. <br />Hunters reported sightings of 1,072 deer during the hunt and the hunters hunted a total of 607 times. <br /> <br />In 2025, the hunt will run from September 13 through December 31. <br /> <br />Mr. Becklin has served as the unofficial steward for this park activity for the last few years and the City <br />appreciates his continued efforts in coordinating the hunting activities with city staff. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />None. <br /> <br />Mission/Policy/Goal <br />Opportunity to live, work, and play. Work with citizens to achieve goals. <br /> <br />Attachments <br />None <br />Page 7 of 15