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Deer Management Plan 2007_2008THE CITY OF DuB E MEMORANDUM April 28, 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: 2007-2008 Deer Management Plan Public Health Specialist Mary Rose Corrigan recommends that the City Council review the results of this year's Urban Deer Management Program and continue the program for the 2007-2008 hunting season. On February 7, 2007, the Iowa DNR conducted the aerial survey. Comparisons of actual deer counted show that the population increased. Although the numbers increased, the survey should be viewed as a multi-year trend. The densities in the southern and northern portions of Dubuque both increased. Roadkill deer picked up by the Operations & Maintenance Department has also increased. This 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. I concur with the staff recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. V~ Z ~ L,~, ~~ Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist THE CITY OF DuB E MEMORANDUM ~.~-~ April 24, 2007 TO: Michael C. Van Millige\n,r~City~ Hager FROM: Mary Rose Corrigan~'~~ ""Public Health Specialist SUBJECT: 2007 - 2008 Deer Management Plan INTRODUCTION This memorandum provides a report of the 2006 - 2007 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 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 7, 2007, the Iowa DNR conducted the aerial survey. The results of that survey, along with the previous years' results are attached. Comparisons of actual deer counted show that the population increased. Greg Harris, Wildlife Biologist with the Iowa DNR, and Tim Link, Environmental Sanitarian, conducted the aerial survey. Although the numbers increased, the survey should be viewed as a multi-year trend. The densities in the southern and northern portions of Dubuque both increased. Roadkill deer picked up by the Operations & Maintenance Department has also increased: Year: Roadkill [)eer Picked `U 2006 48 2005 23 2004 21 2003 25 2002 18 2001 41 2000 42 1999 32 1998 49 This 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 $1534 for the total program last season, not including staff time. During this year's season, there were 63 permitted bow hunters inside the city limits, and they harvested a total 118 deer, an increase of 38 deer from last year. One hundred and sixty-six licenses were sold for hunting within the city limits. Of the five 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. The only significant problem noted is vandalism and stealing of the hunters' tree stands. Attached is the City of Dubuque Deer Management Plan for the 2007-2008 season. It is based on the results of the previous year's hunt, aerial deer count survey and input from City staff and hunters. No changes are proposed from last year's plan. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council review the results of this year's urban deer management program and continue with the revised attached plan for the 2007-2008 hunting season. CITY COUNCIL ACTION Approve the attached urban deer management plan for the 2007-2008 season. MRC/cj cc: Michael Buelow, Chair, Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission Gil Spence, Leisure Services Department Manager Kim Wadding, 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 2007-2008 Season Prepared by: Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission City Health and Leisure Services Departments The City of Dubuque's seventh urban deer management season ended January 21, 2007. 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 7, 2007. 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 2007 aerial survey counted 466 deer, an increase of 127 from the 2006 survey. North and south areas both increased in deer density, although some specific zones within those areas decreased in population. 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 2005-06 and 2006-07: 2005-06 8 Hunters killed 1 deer 3 Hunters killed 2 deer 5 Hunters killed 3 deer 7 Hunters killed 4 deer 2 Hunters killed 5 deer 1 Hunter killed 6 deer 1 Hunter killed 7 deer Total 80 deer harvested 2006-2007 10 Hunters killed 1 deer 6 Hunters killed 2 deer 3 Hunters killed 3 deer 2 Hunters killed 4 deer 4 Hunters killed 5 deer 1 Hunter killed 6 deer 2 Hunter killed 7 deer 1 Hunter killed 8 deer 2 Hunters killed 10 deer 1 Hunter killed 11 deer Total 118 deer harvested Twenty any sex tags were allotted through the incentive program. By harvesting a minimum of three does by November 1, 2006, eight hunters earned any sex tags and an additional two hunters received any sex tags through a lottery system. By harvesting a minimum of three does after November 1, 2006, seven hunters earned any sex tags, and three hunters received any sex tags through a lottery drawing for the 2007-08 season. The following goals are recommended for the 2007-2008 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. 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 2007-08 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 15, 2007, and end with the regular Iowa deer seasons, January 20, 2008. • 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 amount of land is no longer required. However, approval must 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 - 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 Incentives. The top seven (7) hunters who harvest the most does (with a minimum of three (3) does to qualify) by October 31, 2007 will receive a dedicated either sex license for the remainder of 2007-2008 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. In addition, a weighted lottery will be held: 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; anon- 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, 2007 through January 20, 2008 the above format is repeated. In addition, if hunters have qualified for an either sex license for the beginning of the 2008/2009 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 Sept. 15 -Oct. 31, 2007, seven (7) either sex licenses, minimum of three (3) female deer for dedicated license (unless there are ties), licenses are good for the remainder of the 07-08 hunting season. An additional (maximum) three (3) licenses will be available by weighted lottery drawing. Nov. 1, 2007 -Jan. 20, 2008, seven (7) dedicated either sex licenses good for 08-09 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 08-09 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. 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). 2005-2006 2006-2007 ~ 2003-2004 2004-2005 DUBUQUE MANAGED pU02 2003~T 62 63 2000 2001 2001-2002 86 1999-2000 97 89 166 ~'~ Limits 1998-1999 117 255 133 nside Ci Onl 66 96 170 218 118 'Arche atin 59 289 80 Hunters particip 9 253 g0 98 ~ 122 150 137 71 °lo 156 38% 64°l0 Licenses sold 106 124 53°t° 2045-2008 2006-2007 I 74 ~°I° 63°l0 2003-2004 2004-2005 Deer harvested 49°/° 2001-2002 2002-2003 61 % 71 °l° 2000-2001 ess rate - ggg 1999-2000 I Succ Limas 19981 88 Outside City 127 87 ~I All Wea ons Unknown 79 Hunters participating 247 159 I 153 150 Licenses sold 82 *(84) *45 II 98 g4 (actual est. 34°I° reported Deer harvested ( ) ° 63°1° 28 28 6410 ** (284) 200 ~ Success rate 206 pensity Density Density 172 200 SUMMARY Density 2006 2007 '~ Density Density 2004 2005 Total Estimated DUBUQUE AERIAL SURVE -pensity 2003 Density Density Density 2001 2002 Harvest Deer 1998 1999 2000 Area Deer Count peer Count Count Count Count 2003 2002 1 g 21.6 31.2 Count 2006 2005 2004 17 19 2007 19 22 22 15.9 North of 163 154 22 Hwy 20 303 210 160 184 (9.7 sq. mi.) 31 38 47.9 Blocks B, 33 44 38 C, D' E' F 37 46 44 South of 150 112 37 Hw`I20 129 107 129 339 466 (3.4 sq. 163 313 267 361 266 313 mi.) 308 367 Blocks G, 313 313 266 357 H'I 466 339 267 DEER 3z°io COUNT increase ~~ TOTALS HARVEST S vs. N April 24, 2007 Honorable Mayor Roy Buol and City Council Members City Hall 50 W . 13th Street Dubuque IA 52001 Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members: The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission is recommending continuation of the City's Urban Deer Management Plan for 2007-08 as recommended by City staff. The ESAC further recommends that since the deer population is increasing despite the efforts of the hunters, the City Council consider a budget increase to implement additional/alternative strategies for the 2008-2009 season. The ESAC and staff will research possibilities for deer management improvement. The ESAC respectfully requests City Council to approve the attached urban deer management plan for the 2007-2008 season. Sincerely, .~~~~~~~ ~G~'~~ Michael Buelow, Chair cc: Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission Gil Spence, Leisure Services Department Manager Kim Wadding, Police Chief Dan Brown, Fire Chief Don Vogt, Operations & Maintenance Manager Jon Brown, Water Pollution Control Plant Manager Greg Harris, IDNR