Residents and commissioners at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting pressed city staff on how to address an expanding urban deer population and asked for short‑term action while a larger survey and long‑term plan are completed.

The meeting opened with resident Bob Haug describing limits of a broad public survey and urging staff to “find out what the experts say” and consult studies on urban deer, not rely solely on general surveys. Haug said, “I think you're going after the wrong information, but that's just my opinion.”

Commissioners and other residents described deer in yards and parks as an immediate nuisance and a safety concern. One resident, who gave only his first name, Max, said hunters working from the parks could take many animals quickly and argued the city should consider short‑term measures. “A group of hunters could kill 20 deer in a matter of seconds,” he said. Multiple speakers raised safety concerns about allowing hunting in high‑use parks such as Munwoods, noting families and children use trails there in the fall.

City staff told the commission the City Forester is part of the parks department and “will be involved with this,” and that any proposal would need the police department’s input because the police have standards—including minimum distances from private properties—for hunting in city areas. Staff said the legal hunting season referenced in discussion begins Sept. 20 and that any city action would need to align with that timeframe.

Commission discussion emphasized both urgency and the need for evidence. One commissioner said staff should be “measured and based on science and fact” but also noted the commission had heard complaints about deer over “two meetings running” and asked whether a stopgap could be implemented before the hunting season. Staff responded that they would bring recommendations back at the commission’s Sept. 18 meeting and that, if the commission requested, they could also convene a special meeting before the season.

No formal policy was adopted at the meeting. The record shows a staff direction to return with options that include short‑term measures, involvement of the City Forester and police standards, and consideration of public input and expert consultations (Iowa State University was suggested by a resident). Commissioners cautioned that expanding hunting into areas with nearby homes raises safety questions and that measures such as temporary park closures for targeted hunts would need to be weighed against public use and neighborhood opposition.

The commission and staff noted that decisions could generate divided neighborhood responses: some residents want aggressive action to reduce deer, while others oppose hunting near homes or parks. Staff said any recommendation brought back would describe alternatives, expected timelines and whether an ordinance or park rule would be required for enforcement.

The commission set no vote and took no binding action other than directing staff to return with recommendations at the Sept. 18 meeting, with the possibility of a special meeting before the hunting season if commissioners request it.