Deer Management Plan 2010-2011Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2010 -2011 Deer Management Plan
DATE: April 28, 2010
Dubuque
blid
All-America City
2007
Public Health Specialist Mary Rose Corrigan recommends approval of the 2010 -2011
City of Dubuque Urban Deer Management Plan. No changes are proposed from last
year's plan regarding deer.
However, another incentive will be added to encourage bow hunters to harvest coyotes.
In addition to reimbursing hunters the deer tag costs for every coyote harvested,
permitted hunters will be allowed to hunt coyotes year round. City parks will not be
open for coyote hunting outside the deer hunting season.
concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
2
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Michael C. Van Millie \city Manager
Mary 9 Rose Corri an, FtN, Public Health Specialist
2010 -2011 Deer Management Plan
April 26, 2010
Dubuque
kifrtil
AI- AmeticaCity
' I I '
2007
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides a report of the 2009 - 2010 City of Dubuque urban deer
management program and a staff recommendation regarding the continuation of the
program.
BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque first began its urban deer management plan with the pilot program
at the Sisters of Mount Saint Francis property in 1997. Following that pilot program, the
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission (ESAC) recommended a citywide
bow and arrow hunt to reduce the deer density within the city limits. The Iowa
Department of Natural Resources provides annual aerial surveys and consultation.
DISCUSSION
On February 4, 2010, the Iowa DNR conducted the aerial survey. The results of that
survey, along with the previous years' results are attached. Ross Elingson, Wildlife
Biologist with the Iowa DNR, and Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist,
conducted the aerial survey. Comparisons of actual deer counted show that the
population increased. Although the numbers and densities increased, the survey
should be viewed as a multi -year trend (see attached chart). The data also reflects
more accurate city boundary alignment for surveying.
Each year's hunt must be evaluated while looking at previous years and future
projections. Without a hunt, the deer population would increase by approximately 33%
annually.
The City of Dubuque spent approximately $1058 for the total program last season, not
including staff time.
During this year's season, there were 84 permitted bow hunters inside the city limits,
and they harvested a total of 111 deer, an increase of six deer from last year.
Of the urban deer managed bow hunts in Iowa, Dubuque continues to be one of the most
successful. Greg Harris stated this is partially due to the aggressive buck incentive and few
limitations put on the hunt. It is also due to our good group of bow hunters who are dedicated
to the program and who generate few citizen complaints. With the assistance of Leisure
Services Department staff facilitating the hunting scheduling, record keeping, and
communication with participants, this year's hunt went very smoothly.
Attached is the City of Dubuque Deer Management Plan for the 2010 -2011 season. It is
based on the results of the previous year's hunt, aerial deer count survey and input from City
staff, the ESAC and hunters. No changes are proposed from last year's plan regarding deer.
However, another incentive will be added to encourage bow hunters to harvest coyotes. In
addition to reimbursing hunters the deer tag costs for every coyote harvested, permitted
hunters will be allowed to hunt coyotes year round. City parks will not be open for coyote
hunting outside the deer hunting season, however.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council review the results of this year's urban deer
management program and approve the attached plan for the 2010 -2011 hunting
season.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Approve the attached urban deer management plan for the 2010 -2011 season.
MRC /cj
cc: Wayne Klostermann, Chair, Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
Pat Prevenas, Acting Leisure Services Department Manager
Mark Da!sing, Police Chief
Dan Brown, Fire Chief
Don Vogt, Operations & Maintenance Manager
Jon Brown, Water Pollution Control Plant Manager
Greg Harris, IDNR
CITY OF DUBUQUE DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN
2010 -2011 Season
Prepared by: Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
&
City Health and Leisure Services Departments
The City of Dubuque's ninth urban deer management season ended January 31, 2010.
The hunt was part of the City's overall urban deer management plan, recommended by
the City's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission, and approved by the City
Council and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Attached is a chart detailing
the results of previous hunts and deer surveys.
Aerial deer surveys have been conducted each year since 1998, and most recently on
February 4, 2010. It is assumed that each year the population of deer increases by
approximately 30% (without any control.) This means that the number of fawns born
during the summer increased the pre -hunt fall population. The 2010 aerial survey
counted 407 deer, an increase of 156 from the 2009 survey. The City is requesting a
total of 650 deer tags from the IDNR, the same as the previous year. This amount of
tags has not sold out in previous years. The following is a breakdown of the deer
harvested for 2006 -07 and 2007 -08:
2006 -2007 2007 -2008 2008 -2009
10 Hunters killed 1 deer 7 Hunters killed 1 deer 8 Hunters killed 1 deer
6 Hunters killed 2 deer 5 Hunters killed 2 deer 12 Hunters killed 2 deer
3 Hunters killed 3 deer 5 Hunters killed 3 deer 3 Hunters killed 3 deer
2 Hunters killed 4 deer 6 Hunters killed 4 deer 5 Hunters killed 4 deer
4 Hunters killed 5 deer 1 Hunters killed 5 deer 3 Hunters killed 5 deer
1 Hunter killed 6 deer 6 Hunters killed 6 deer 1 Hunter killed 6 deer
2 Hunter killed 7 deer 1 Hunter killed 7 deer 2 Hunters killed 7 deer
1 Hunter killed 8 deer 1 Hunter killed 8 deer 1 Hunter killed 9 deer
2 Hunters killed 10 deer Total 110 deer harvested Total 105 deer harvested
1 Hunter killed 11 deer
Total 118 deer harvested
2009 -2010
6 Hunters killed 1 deer
8 Hunters killed 2 deer
4 Hunters killed 3 deer
7 Hunters killed 4 deer
4 Hunters killed 5 deer
2 Hunters killed 6 deer
1 Hunter killed 8 deer
1 Hunter killed 9 deer
Total 111 deer harvested
Twenty any -sex tags were allotted through the incentive program. Ten hunters earned
any sex tags and an additional ten hunters received any sex tags through a lottery
system for the 2009 -10 season from deer harvested from the previous year and ten
during the 2009 -10 season.
The following goals are recommended for the 2010 -2011 season:
1) Limit deer population within defined areas of the city of Dubuque below 20 deer
per square mile;
2) Provide public education regarding deer and their impact on the environment
3) Encourage property owners to allow qualified deer hunters on their property.
4) Discourage citizens from feeding deer.
5) Provide deer tag incentives for harvesting coyotes.
Recommended Management Plan
Continuation of a controlled bow hunt inside the city limits and gun and bow hunting in a
special zone around the city with a total of 650 deer license tags available (400 city, 250
zone) is recommended for the 2010 -2011 season. The main goal of the hunt is to
reduce the deer herd by harvesting female deer, or does.
• The bow hunt would begin earlier than the Iowa deer hunting season, September
11, 2010, and end with the regular Iowa deer seasons, January 30, 2011.
• All licenses will be issued for antlerless deer only, or for any sex under the
incentive program, within the city of Dubuque.
City Areas. The City will designate publicly owned lands for hunting and allow hunting
on private property with the owner's permission. The public areas for hunting include:
Eagle Point Park (47 acres)
Bunker Hill (138 acres)
Veterans Memorial Park (69 acres)
FDR Park (200 acres)
Land south of Fremont Avenue bridge following creek and railroad bed
(23 acres)
Land behind Medical Associates West campus
Marshall Park
• Hunters are responsible for obtaining permission from private landowners. A
minimum 3 acres of land is required. However, approval may be granted by the
City for hunting on property less than 3 acres based on the following criteria:
• No homes /businesses within 150 ft. of property
• Adjacent to a 3 -acre or greater parcel of habitat, i.e., timber
• Field /prairie
• CRP
• Crop field
• Tree planting
• Property otherwise suitable for hunting
Distances from buildings, streets or trails on private property is at the discretion
of the property owner(s) OR 75 feet from any property line, occupied building or
private street/trail. Hunters would have to maintain a distance of 75 feet from
any property line, occupied building, street or trail on public property.
• All hunters would be required to pass an annual proficiency test and present a
valid Bow Hunter Safety Course Certificate.
• Hunters will be instructed on the special rules and regulations for hunting inside
the city limits, including the following:
Maintaining a minimum distance from residential areas and property lines,
at the owner's and neighbor's discretion or 75 feet from any property line
or occupied building on public property, and 75 feet from any street or trail
- Reporting numbers of shots and /or deer harvested
- Reporting specific areas and times /day of hunt
Registering all deer harvested with the City and the IDNR
Reporting any citizen complaints
Hunters on private property must abide by the rules of the property owner,
in addition to the Iowa DNR rules
Field dressing on City property is not allowed
Deer must be covered or enclosed when transporting
- No baiting, driving, or stalking of deer is allowed
Any Sex Tag Incentives
The top seven (7) hunters who harvest the most does (with a minimum of three (3)
does to qualify) by October 31, 2010 will receive a dedicated either sex license for the
remainder of 2010 -2011 hunting season. In the case of no hunter reaching the three (3)
doe minimum, a maximum of three (3) either sex licenses will be issued by lottery
drawing: killing one doe yields one chance and killing two (2) does yields three (3)
chances. In the case of a tie with the number of deer killed, exceeding the seven (7)
dedicated either sex licenses; a non- weighted lottery (single entry per hunter) will take
place to determine who receives the license. The remaining hunters would be placed in
the weighted lottery with six (6) chances for three (3) does, ten (10) chances for four (4)
does, etc. After October 31 doe harvest numbers start anew for all hunters participating
in the urban deer management zone hunt to qualify for an either sex license for the
following year. From November 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011 the above format is
repeated. In addition, if hunters have qualified for an either sex license for the beginning
of the 2010 -2011 season, they must harvest a doe before their either sex license will be
issued for that year. This is to provide an incentive to harvest at least one doe instead
of buck hunting all season. This format is repeated from year to year. Button buck or
other male deer classified as antlerless do not qualify for the incentive licenses, only
female deer.
Summary of Incentives
Sept. 11 — Oct. 31, 2010, seven (7) any -sex licenses, minimum of three (3) female deer
for dedicated license (unless there are ties), licenses are good for the remainder of the
09 -10 hunting season. An additional (maximum) three (3) licenses will be available by
weighted lottery drawing.
Nov. 1, 2010 — Jan. 30, 2011, seven (7) dedicated any -sex licenses good for 2010-
2011 hunting season. For the top seven hunters who harvest the most does (with a
minimum of 3 does to quality), an additional (maximum) three (3) licenses will be
available by weighted lottery. An additional doe needs to be harvested in the 2010-
2011 hunting season prior to receiving dedicated either sex license. Harvest count
starts anew beginning November 1. Does harvested during the prior October period do
not count toward this new incentive period.
Format is repeated from year to year.
Weighted Lottery Chances:
1 doe — 1 chance
2 does — 3 chances
3 does — 6 chances
4 does — 10 chances
5 does — 15 chances
Additional Incentive: The first 75 hunters who harvest an adult doe will be eligible for a
$12.00 reimbursement for the cost of their second deer tag.
Coyote Incentive: A qualified deer hunter will be reimbursed for a doe tag for each
coyote harvested and checked in at Fire Headquarters. Hunters are allowed to harvest
coyotes year -round as long as all hunting rules in this plan and from the IDNR are
adhered to. Hunting coyotes will not be allowed in City parks designated for deer
hunting outside of the deer hunting season.
Administration of the program. The program would be administered by the City's
Health and Leisure Services Department staff with the assistance from IDNR.
Evaluation. Deer hunters will be required to check in the deer harvested at the City Fire
Headquarters, 9th Street and Central Avenue and report where the deer was shot. It is
the intent to keep all public areas open during the controlled hunt if winter recreational
use is permitted. The City of Dubuque parks are closed during the winter, however,
recreational use is allowed. The parks will have special hunting times prior to their
official closure.
Any complaints regarding the hunt will be compiled and handled by the City and IDNR
staff. It is also recommended that the City continue to pay half of the cost of the aerial
survey in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Urban Deer Management Plan
(approximately $1200).
DUBUQUE MANAGED DEER HUNTS
Inside City Limits
(Archery Only)
1998-
1999
1999-
2000
2000-
2001
2001-
2002
2002-
2003
2003-
2004
2004-
2005
2005-
2006
2006-
2007
2007-
2008
2008-
2009
2009 -
2010
Hunters
Licenses sold
Deer harvested
Success rate
59
122
74
61%
66
150
106
71%
96
253
124
49%
117
289
156
54%
97
218
137
63%
89
170
90
53%
86
255
98
38%
62
133
80
60%
63
166
118
71%
71
194
110
56%
76
164
105
64%
84
174
111
64%
Total Harvest
74
106
124
156
137
90
98
80
118
110
105
111
DUBUQUE AERIAL SURVEY - SUMMARY
Area
Deer
Count
2010
Deer
Count
2009
Deer
Count
2008*
Deer
Count
2007
Deer
Count
2006
Deer
Count
2005
Deer
Count
2004
Deer
Count
2003
Deer
Count
2002
Density
1998
Density
1999
Density
2000
Density
2001
Density
2002
Density
2003
Density
2004
Density
2005
Density
2006
Density
2007
Density
2008
Density
2009
Density
2010
North
of Hwy
20 (9.7
sq.
mi.)
Blocks
B, C,
D, E, F
226
167
303
210
160
184
163
154
22
19
22
22
15.9
17
19
16
21.6
31.2
17.2
23.3
North
of Hwy
20 (9.7
s q .
miles)
Blocks
C, D,
E, F
203
156
121
12.5
20.9
South
of Hwy
20(3.4
sq.
mi.)
Blocks
G, H, I
85
62
163
129
107
129
150
112
37
37
46
44
33
44
38
31
38
47.9
25
South
of Hwy
20 (8
sq.
mi.)
Blocks
G, H, I,
J * *, K
181
84
147
18.3
10.5
22.6
Deer
Count
Totals
407
251
268
466
37 %r
339
267
313
313
266
357
308
367
361
266
313
313
267
339
466
268
251
407
* Boundaries aligned with city limits
** J/K = City limits only