Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
DNR presents deer-management options as commissioners weigh sharpshooting, hunting and nonlethal measures
Summary
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist told the Battle Creek City Commission that urban deer in the area have high survival and reproductive rates; commissioners discussed options including fencing, targeted hunting and sharpshooting but took no formal action.
City of Battle Creek commissioners on July 15 heard a presentation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about urban deer population dynamics and management options, including hunting, sharpshooting and nonlethal measures.
Randy Hinesy, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who covers Eaton, Calhoun and Barry counties, told commissioners that urban deer populations typically show high survival, small home ranges and elevated reproductive rates in developed areas. “Typical characteristics of urban deer populations: there’s a high survival rate because there’s just not a lot of mortality other than maybe car-deer accidents inside city limits,” Hinesy said during the presentation.
Hinesy summarized management approaches and limits. He said exclusion—6- to 8-foot fencing around gardens or small orchards—is effective but unpopular because of cost and appearance. He described repellents and…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
