Managing the Deer Population in the City of Ramsey

City Council and City staff has received complaints from citizens in regards to the number of deer within the City and damage caused to property.  The number of deer in the city is also a public safety issue.  The police departed has responded to 179 motor vehicle accidents in the past two years.  Several injuries have been reported along with thousands of dollars of damage in these accidents.

Staff has made contact with the Minnesota DNR in regards to deer situation in Ramsey.  The DNR provided staff with the Urban Deer Population Control Policies and Procedures (attached to this case).  There are several steps that will need to be taken prior to the City moving forward with a coordinated hunt of any kind. Staff was also in contact with two metro police agencies that have participated in a deer reduction hunt.  Both of these departments have completed the management plan and will provide resource information to the city if needed.

If it is Council direction to take steps to manage the deer population with controlled hunt, the soonest that would take place is after the upcoming deer hunting season has ended.

It appears that there is an overpopulation of deer within the City of Ramsey based on complaints and accident data. Staff recommends that the procedures area of the DNR policy be looked at in more detail to see the City should take steps in controlling the deer population. 

None at this time.  If a reduction is done, there may be costs associated with disposal of the deer.

Based on discussion, motion to have staff work on a management plan for controlling the deer population in the City of Ramsey.