Deer Management Plan
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
March 11, 1999
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:
City of Dubuque Deer Management Plan
The implementation of the 1998 Deer Management Plan was very successful.
Based on an Iowa Department of Natural Resources deer survey, hunting has
stabilized the herd on the south side of Dubuque (125 in 1998 versus 124 in 199)
and slightly reduced the herd on the north side (212 in 1998 versus 184 in 1999).
However, the populace did increase after the 1998 count and prior to the 1999
count by about 30 percent due to reproduction. That would be expected to occur
again this year.
The DNR consider this a very successful hunt.
The Environmental Stewardship Commission is recommending that this year's Deer
Management Plan be the same as last year's with some minor modification.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
(l1JJ kf/JL
Mithael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/j
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager
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March 9, 1 999
Honorable Mayor Terrance M. Duggan &
City Council Members
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque IA 52001
Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council Members:
The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission is recommending continuation of the
City of Dubuque's Urban Deer Management Plan for the 1999 -2000 season. The results
of the 1999 aerial survey and the number of deer taken indicate that the area bow hunters
were successful in stabilizing the deer herd. With the assistance of the Health Services
Department and the Leisure Services Department, the hunt was managed very smoothly. It
e is evident that the hunters conducted themselves in a safe and professional manner.
We realize that last year was the first step in reducing the deer herd to a manageable level.
The Commission and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources both believe that
significant deer herd reduction in Dubuque will take several years. In its March meeting,
the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission voted to have a long range goal of
achieving twenty deer per square mile, while evaluating the program annually. We feel that
this goal will be acceptable to citizens and also protect the native plant species in the area.
RECOMMENDA TION
The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission recommends the City Council
continue with its Urban Deer Management Plan utilizing bow and arrow hunters within the
city limits (see attached), and allocate City staff to work with the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources for continuing Dubuque's Urban Deer Management Plan this fall. We
further recommend the Council continue to allocate funds for the annual aerial survey.
Sincerely,
~127t1L ';/[';/'/tC/L- (/J//L-()
Beth Lynch, Vice-Chair
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
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CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
March 10, 1999
0c,M: Michael C." V_ Miligen( CitvManeler
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FROM: Mary Rose COrriga~N, Public Health Specialist
SUBJECT:
City of Dubuque Deer Management Plan
INTRODUCTION
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This memorandum provides staff recommendation regarding the continuation of the City of
Dubuque's Deer Management Plan proposed by the Environmental Stewardship Advisory
Commission (ESAC.)
BACKGROUND
Last year, the Health Services Department facilitated the ESAC's research and development
of a City Deer Management Plan, including working with representatives of the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and soliciting citizen input.
The City Council then approved bow and arrow hunting within the city limits with the
following conditions:
1) Hunting could occur only from elevated stands;
2) The timeframes were in conjunction with IDNR's deer hunting seasons;
3) The Park Commission set up specific times for hunters in the parks.
DISCUSSION
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On January 25, 1999, the IDNR repeated the aerial deer survey. The results of that survey,
compared with the 1998 results, are attached. Comparisons of actual deer counted shows
that hunting has stabilized the herd on the south side of Dubuque (125 in 1998 versus 124
in 1999) and slightly reduced the herd on the north side (212 in 1998 versus 184 in 1999.)
However, we know that the 1998 population of 337 deer surveyed increased by
approximately 30% due to reproduction. This means that the number of fawns born during
the summer, increased the pre-fall population to around 438 deer. The 1999 aerial survey
counted 308 deer, indicating that 130 deer were removed in the survey blocks. This
indicates that the hunting (and possibly road kill) eliminated about 130 deer. Hunting
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within the city successfully contributed to the reduction of the deer population. Hunting in
the perimeter zone also indicated an estimated 98 deer were killed. This reduction in the
zone ultimately leads to a reduced population within the city limits.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Depredation Biologist, Jim Jansen,
indicated that this was a very successful hunt, perhaps the best results ever for a first year
hunt in an urban area.
Leisure Services Department staff facilitated hunting scheduling, the proficiency testing,
record keeping, and communication with participants. Staff received only two complaints
throughout the season. Hunters thought this process went very smoothly. The Park
Commission approved continuing with the urban deer management plan as was done in
1998 at its recent meeting on March 9, 1999.
The attached deer management plan is essentially the same as the 1998-99 plan with
minor changes to the incentives (drawing on November 1 st versus December 1 st) and
decreased required private property size (5 acres to 3 acres.) I concur with the ESAC
recommendation to approve their proposed (attached) plan, with the following changes:
1) Instead of issuing tags for adult does only, they would be issued for antlerless deer;
2)
The incentive for" any sex" tags would be issued in the following manner;
a) 1 chance for each fawn harvested, and
b) 2 chances for each ADULT doe harvested.
These incentives are based on suggestions and information from IDNA.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached Urban Deer Management
Plan for the 1999 - 2000 hunting season, incorporating the two suggested changes, and
forward it to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for their approval and issuance of
special hunting tags. It is further recommended that the City continue the annual aerial
deer survey in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
MRC/cj
cc: Michael Buelow, Chair, Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
Beth Lynch, Commissioner, Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
Gil Spence, Leisure Services Department Manager
John Mauss, Police Chief
Dan Brown, Fire Chief
Don Vogt, Operations & Maintenance Manager
Paul Schultz, Solid Waste Coordinator
Paul Horsfall, Water Pollution Control Plant Manager
DUBUQUE AERIAL DEER SURVEYS 1998 & 1999
NORTH SIDE
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BLOCK B
BLOCK C
BLOCK C1
BLOCK D
BLOC K E/F
0.9
2.9
1.0
2.0
2.9
o
120
o
42
50
1
97
o
43
43
o
41
o
21
34
1
33
o
22
26
SOUTH SIDE
BLOCK G 1.3 33 42 26 32
BLOCK H 1.4 58 49 41 35
BLOCK I 0.7 34 33 49 47
e TOTALS 13.1 337 308 211 196
Average density North - 20.5/sq. m.i
Average density South - 38 sq. mi.
Average density North/South - 28/sq. mi.
AREA AREAS INCLUDED
B Between Highway 386 & JFK Road
C Peru Rd., Windsor, Rhomberg (Eagle Point Park)
C1 Hwy 52 - W. 32nd-Peru Road-Boleyn Road, 386
D JFK Rd.-Hwy 52- W. 32nd (Olympic Hgts., Barony Woods)
ElF JFK Rd.-W. 32nd- Central, Kaufmann (Kane St.)
Kaufmann, JFK Rd., Locust, Central Ave. (Bunker Hill)
G Hwy 20 - Fremont, Catfish Creek (Coates St., Simpson, Center Grove)
H Fremont - S. Grandview, Hwy 61-Rockdale-Kelly Lane (Wartburg, Dubuque Golf & Country Club, Catfish
Creek Valley
Hwy 61 - River-Julien Dubuque Drive (Mt. Carmel, Water Pollution Control Plant)
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CITY OF DUBUQUE DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1999 - 2000 Season
Prepared by: Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission
The City of Dubuque's first urban deer harvesting project ended January 10, 1999. The
hunt is 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. One hundred and twenty-two (122) archery
licenses were sold for use within the city limits. Seventy-four (74) deer were reported
killed at the end of the season, for a 61 % success rate. In the perimeter County zone, 153
licenses were sold, with an estimated 98 deer killed, for a 64% success rate. A total
estimated number of deer killed in the Dubuque County zone is 172 for an overall success
rate of 63%.
An aerial deer survey was conducted both in 1998 and recently on January 25, 1999. It
can be assumed that the 1998 population of 337 deer surveyed increased by approximately
30%. This means that the number of fawns born during the summer increased the pre-
hunt fall population to around 438 deer. The 1999 aerial survey counted 308 deer,
indicating that 130 were removed in the surveyed blocks. Block "C", which includes Eagle
Point Park, had the greatest reduction. In this area, without a hunt, there was a potential
of approximately 150 deer, but only 97 were counted, or 23 less than 1998's results.
Comparisons of actual deer counted shows hunting has stabilized the herd on the south
side (125 in 1998 and 1 24 in 1 999) and slightly reduced the herd on the north side (21 2 in
1998 and 184 in 1999.)
During the 1998-99 hunt, 26 hunters harvested at least one deer, two hunters harvested
eight deer each, one hunter took six, and five took four deer each. Sixteen deer were
taken from both the Fremont and Eagle Point Park areas, although it should be noted that it
was not mandatory to report deer harvested. Five buck (any sex) tags were given out from
the lottery held December 1 st. Hunters who had harvested a doe by that time were eligible
for one of the buck tags.
The following goals are recommended for the 1999-2000 season.
1 )
limit deer population within defined areas of the city of Dubuque below 20 deer per
square mile;
Provide public education regarding deer, their habitats, impact on natural habitats,
deterrents, and population management, cost of property damage if nothing is done,
and potential health risks to the citizens of Dubuque and the deer herd resulting from
large deer population.
2)
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Recommended Management Plan
Recommended is a controlled bow hunt inside the city limits and gun and bow hunting in a
special zone around the city. The objective of the hunt is to reduce the deer herd, not to
provide recreational hunting opportunities.
· The proposed bow hunt would coincide with the Iowa deer hunting seasons,
approximately October through mid-January (these dates are set by Iowa
Department of Natural Resources.)
· Bow hunting tags would be issued for adult does only, or for bucks under the
incentive program within the city of Dubuque.
Areas. The City will designate publicly owned lands for hunting (same as 1998-1999
season) and allow hunting on private property of a minimum of three acres with the
owner's permission. Also, there will be a special zone around the city limits created where
extra doe tags could be granted for gun and bow hunters. The public areas for hunting
include:
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Eagle Point Park (47 acres)
Bunker Hill (138 acres)
Veterans Memorial Park (69 acres)
FDR Park (200 acres)
Land adjacent to the Water Pollution Control Plant and the Mines of Spain
Land south of Fremont Avenue bridge following creek and railroad bed (23
acres)
.
Hunters would be responsible for obtaining permission from private landowners.
Adjoining landowners could combine their property to create a 3 acre plot. Hunters
would have to maintain a distance of 150 feet from any property line or occupied
building, and 75 feet from any unoccupied building, street or trail.
.
All hunters would be required to pass a proficiency test and present a valid
International or Bow Hunter Safety Course Certificate.
.
Hunters will also have to 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
reporting numbers of shots and/or deer harvested
reporting specific areas and times/day of hunt
register all deer harvested
e Incentives. As an incentive for hunters to harvest adult does only, a hunter will be given a
chance for a drawing for an additional "any sex" tag after they have harvested a qualifying
adult doe. A drawing will be held November 1, 1999 for 5 "any sex" tags. Any hunter
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obtaining an adult doe after November 1, 1999, would be eligible for an "any sex" tag
drawing to occur for the following year's hunt.
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 and report where
they shot their deer (most likely at Fire Headquarters.) 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 the later part of October to accommodate
both hunters and those using them for recreational use.
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 $600 -
$700.)
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RESOLUTION NO._-99
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Whereas, the City of Dubuque and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
conducted an aerial survey on March 11, 1998 and January 25, 1999 indicating an
overpopulation of deer in the city of Dubuque; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque wishes to limit the deer population to below 20 deer
per square mile and provide public education regarding deer, their habitats, impact on
natural habitats, deterrents, and population management; and
Whereas, the City of Dubuque Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission has
researched the urban deer situation in the city of Dubuque and developed a recommended
deer management plan; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque desires to implement the deer
management plan, attached hereto, for the 1999-2000 Iowa Department of Natural
Resources hunting season
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the City of Dubuque, Iowa, hereby requests the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources to approve and grant authority to implement the deer management
plan attached hereto for bow hunting deer in the city of Dubuque, Iowa during the 1999-
2000 deer hunting season.
Section 2. The City of Dubuque will require an Iowa Department of Natural
Resources deer license and a City permit for hunters to harvest deer within the city of
Dubuque, Iowa.
Passed, approved and adopted this
day of
, 1999.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
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Mary A. Davis
City Clerk
HL