Commission to study short‑term and long‑term steps on urban deer after residents press for action

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…