Deer Management Program
MEDIA RELEASE
City of Dubuque Health Services Department- City Hall Annex, 1300 Main St,, Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589-4181.
Date:
Contact:
Phone:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2002
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
(563) 589-4181
REPORT ON THE 2001 - 2002 URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT
The City of Dubuque wrapped up its fourth season of urban deer management on
January 10. The results of the aerial survey conducted on February 1 by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources indicates a reduction of the city's deer population by
95 deer. The total population went from 361 deer in 2001 to 266 in 2002. This is the
most substantial population reduction since the City began their urban deer
management plan in 1997, and alters a two-year trend of deer population stabilization
within the city.
This year, the hunters harvested 156 deer within the city limits, up from last year's total
of 124 deer. Although the total number of deer harvested in the zone around the city
are not compiled yet, it is estimated it will be substantial due to the fact that in addition
to the 300 zone tags, the IDNR allotted 300 deer tags for the entire area of Dubuque
County.
This year, 117 hunters were permitted to hunt inside the city limits, up from last year's
96 permitted hunters. There were few problems or any substantiated complaints noted.
Jim Jansen, Wildlife Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
contributes the success of the hunt to several factors. "City hunters purchased 36
more licenses this year compared to last year (253 vs. 289.) The moderate
temperatures allowed hunters to be in the field more days, which equals a greater
effort. Greater effort, in turn, results in more deer harvested."
Jansen added, "Dubuque hunters have definitely surpassed stabilizing the deer population
and are now starting to reduce it. Urban bow hunting expands recreational opportunity for
Iowa residents and keeps urban deer populations at a tolerable level."
The Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission will be formulating its
recommendation for continuation of the urban deer management plan to the City
Council in March, and finalizing it in April. Although sharpshooting was studied during
the fall and a public forum was held on the topic in October 2001, this type of deer
reduction for the 2002-2003 season was not budgeted, nor will the Commission be
recommending it. The ESAC will most likely be recommending continuation of the
urban deer management plan in a form very similar to this year's plan.
The City of Dubuque continues to provide the most effective urban deer management
plan in Iowa at a very reasonable cost, while also providing recreational opportunities
within the city limits.
TOTAL P.02