WORKSHOP ITEM Brian Podany, Chief of Police
Title
DEER HARVEST UPDATE AND OPTIONS
Background
The Wildlife Management Plan that was adopted by council is striving for 12 deer per square mile because of diminishing “carrying capacity” (or suitable habitat) for healthier deer, less vehicle deer collisions and complaints.
The USDA has worked with the City of Blaine for many years assisting with keeping the geese population under control and has done exceptional work. The USDA was contracted with for our deer harvesting and removed 79 deer over five nights of hunting at the cost of approximately $14,000. There were 26 males and 53 females. The goal of 100 deer harvested could have easily been accomplished based on the number of deer seen by the USDA while they were out harvesting. The USDA reported the overall health of the deer population was somewhat poor. 75-80% of the adults harvested had pneumonia and were underweight.
It is unknown how many bow hunters with DNR licenses are out in Blaine during the hunting season, as permits issued by the DNR do not track that information by City, only by zone. The areas open to bow hunters are posted on a map in the lobby of City Hall and interested parties are encouraged to take a copy of the map with them and hunt within our City.
There was some social media contact with us about contacting and contracting with the Minnesota Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB) for deer harvesting. Contact was made with the MBRB to request information on doing a hunt in Blaine next season. We gathered their information to compare with our service from the USDA.
The greatest benefits for contracting with the USDA are their standards of professionalism, being insured, guaranteeing proper clean-up/disposal, proper direct communication with the DNR and minimal city staff time.
USDA Pros
• Baiting can be performed and approved by the DNR to optimize the harvest. This is part of the overall cost.
• The harvest is donated to needy individuals as per DNR regulations.
• Minimal staff time required.
• They have a four-page safety plan.
• They use infrared scopes and night vision for the safest operation.
• Insurance to the level of tort limits by the Federal Government (property damage/personal injury).
USDA Cons
Cost: $14,000
MBRB Pros
• Minimal cost to the City.
• Allows for citizen involvement (although unknown if only Blaine residents could participate)
• Hunters are certified through a DNR education program
MBRB Cons
• Unlikely to remove the number of deer necessary
• Fewer safety protocols and equipment.
• Sportsmen, not professionals.
• Only liability insurance for property damage.
• More staff time. Likely around 40 hours.
• Meat and carcasses kept by hunters.
Recommendation
Staff recommends maintaining the current contract with the USDA.