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Council adopts urban deer-management ordinance with 30-yard buffer, after months of debate
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 2025-25 establishing a white-tailed deer management code for Mount Vernon, adopting a committee‑proposed package of safety and registration rules but amending the proposed 500‑foot buffer to a 30‑yard (approximately 90 feet) restriction.
Mount Vernon City Council adopted an ordinance creating a municipal white-tailed deer management code after committee discussion and an amendment to the initial draft distance restriction. The ordinance, codified as Chapter 149 of the city code (Ordinance 2025‑25), sets requirements for hunting on private property inside the city, including registration, insurance, and safety qualifications; it expressly excludes city property. Council voted 4‑to‑1 to adopt the ordinance as amended; one councilmember voted no.
Why it matters: The ordinance updates local deer management tools to allow regulated, private‑property archery deer control inside the municipal boundary while adding safety and administrative controls. The change affects private landowners seeking to participate and aims to reduce deer-related issues such as vehicle collisions, property damage and disease vectors mentioned during committee discussion.
Key provisions and committee discussion: The adopted ordinance establishes an archery‑only program with registration requirements and liability coverage for participants. The original draft included a 500‑foot buffer prohibiting hunting within 500 feet of an inhabited dwelling or public roadway; council members and staff said that buffer would make practical use difficult inside the city. During legislative debate, council amended that buffer to 30 yards (roughly 90 feet) to align with realistic archery ranges; the amendment passed and was incorporated into the ordinance. Committee presenters also described administrative measures that will be developed in an administrative code—examples discussed include a skills/qualification course coordinated with the state wildlife agency and a registration fee that could include a designated portion to support meat donation programs.
Concerns and caveats recorded in committee: Council members acknowledged public concern about safety, unclear hunting locations under a large buffer, and the potential for increased public inquiries. Presenters cited statewide data showing low incident frequency in similar urban programs and said the city would monitor the program, suggesting a one‑year trial period and an opportunity to adjust distance or administrative rules if needed. The ordinance does not authorize hunting on city parks or other city property; it applies only to private property where the landowner authorizes hunting.
Actions and votes: The ordinance (2025‑25) was moved, seconded and adopted as amended in the legislative session. Vote count recorded in the session: 4 yes, 1 no. The council instructed staff to proceed with administrative-code details and to monitor outcomes after initial implementation.
Limitations: This article summarizes language and policy intent described during the committee and legislative sessions. The full ordinance text in the official codified ordinances should be consulted for detailed legal requirements and any administrative rules that follow adoption.
