HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 Deer Management History memo 2-14-18CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2018
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SUSAN DULEK, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
RE: DEER MANAGEMENT HISTORY
The purpose of this Memo is to provide a history of the City's deer management efforts.
1996
In discussions with the City, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that the
City form a committee to determine the best methods for the City to manage the deer population.
1997
City Council establishes a 13-member committee consisting of 3 City staff members and
representatives of the following groups: Project Green, resident living in area heavily populated with
deer, resident in area not heavily populated with deer, animal rights, science/biology background (2
persons), Iowa Wildlife Federation, City of Coralville, Coralville resident living in area heavily populated
with deer, and Board of Supervisors. The Committee spends 5 months deciding whether to reduce the
number of deer and how to do so. The Committee recommends reduction by sharp shooting and trap
and kill, but not bow hunting. Council adopts Resolution No. 97-367 establishing the first deer
management plan.
1998
The City enters into a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to sharp shoot.
1999
In January 1999, the USDA begins sharpshooting deer. In February 1999, three out-of-state animal
rights organizations, the University of Iowa Animal Rights Coalition, and four Iowa City residents file a
federal lawsuit in Washington DC against the USDA alleging a violation of the National Environmental
Policy Act. The Court enters a temporary restraining order which terminates the sharpshooting that
spring, and the City ends its relationship with the USDA.
1999-2000
The City contracts with White Buffalo, Inc. for the first time to sharp shoot during the winter of
1999/2000.
2001
City Council formalizes the ad-hoc deer committee into a 9-member Deer Task Force in Resolution No.
01-80, which included a sunset provision for 2004. Members represent the following categories: 2
animal welfare advocates, 1 gardener, 1 hunter, 1 biologist/scientist, 1 non-government conservationist,
and 3 at-large.
2004
Council extends the sunset provision for the Deer Task Force to March 15, 2007 in Resolution No. 04-
225.
2005
The Task Force recommends that Council consider bow hunting in addition to sharp shooting. The City
Manager and the Police Chief recommend against bow hunting, and Council votes 5-2 against bow
hunting.
2007
In Resolution No. 07-123, Council extends the sunset provision of the Deer Task Force to March 15,
2008.
2008
The Deer Task Force dissolves consistent with the sunset provision, and the Task Force recommends
to Council that a standing City board for deer management not be established. ,
2000 to 2009
The City contracts with White Buffalo, Inc. in each of these years. Following each winter, White Buffalo,
Inc. issues a summary report to the City, and attached is the last report, 2010 Summary Report of
White Buffalo, Inc. Table 2 on page 2 of the report sets forth the number of deer harvested each year.
Except for the last year, the annual cost ranges from approximately $60,000 to $95,000. A large
expense (approximately $15,000) is to process all the deer meat at a local locker and store the meat,
which is distributed free through the Crisis Center.
During these years, the Deer Committee and then the Deer Task Force recommend to City Council two
deer management plans, a long-term plan and an annual plan. The long-term plan requires Council to
review it annually and also approve an annual plan. There was not a significant difference between the
two plans and in 2008 they were combined into one plan. Council approved the last deer management
plan in Resolution No. 09-130. These plans were the basis for the City's request each spring to the
Iowa Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to allow sharp shooting the following winter. Although
members of the NRC often comment during the meetings that they want the City to allow recreational
bow hunting, a majority of the NRC always approves the City's request to shoot. In addition to the
recommendation of killing deer, the long term and annual plans call for educating the public and taking
steps to minimize deer/vehicle accidents.
2010
Because the numbers are at a reasonable population level, the Interim City Manager in a letter to the
NRC dated May 10, 2010 does not seek authorization to sharp shoot the following winter.
Enc.
Copy w/enc. to:
Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Kellie K. Fruehling, City Clerk
Jody Matherly, Police Chief
Bill Campbell, Capt. ICPD
Liz Ford, Animal Services Coordinator