In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the management of deer incidents within the community, highlighting the need for clearer protocols and communication. The conversation centered around the responsibilities of the local deer manager, Randy, who has been handling deer-related calls but is often unavailable due to his commitments in South Texas.
One official emphasized the importance of establishing a public notice system to inform residents about whom to contact in case of deer incidents. The discussion revealed a lack of clarity regarding when to involve Randy versus local police, with officials acknowledging that the current system is ambiguous and needs refinement.
Concerns were raised about the handling of specific incidents, particularly one involving a deer named Kristen Hammond, which some officials felt was not managed appropriately. The need for a structured protocol was underscored, with suggestions that police departments should be the first point of contact, followed by notifying Randy if he is available.
Randy defended his role, stating that he operates under guidelines from Texas Parks and Wildlife, which dictate that any deer he handles must be euthanized to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). He expressed frustration over the expectations placed on him, noting that he performs these duties voluntarily and that the city is not responsible for the deer.
The meeting concluded with a consensus that while Randy is willing to assist when possible, a more systematic approach is necessary to ensure that residents receive timely responses to deer-related incidents. The officials agreed to explore the development of a formal protocol to streamline communication and clarify responsibilities moving forward.