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Council discusses expanding deer‑control pilot; agrees to explore January lottery and city‑employee participation
Summary
Following data showing hundreds of deer‑vehicle collisions annually, council discussed proposals to expand the Flat Creek hunting pilot and support additional deer‑control measures citywide.
Councilmember Suzanne Brown led a substantive discussion on the deer‑control pilot program. Staff reported that 202 deer carcasses were collected in calendar year 2024 and that the pilot so far (Flat Creek area) had produced 12 does and 1 buck as of early November. Brown and staff outlined a menu of options to increase culling effectiveness: extend the pilot through January (bonus lottery month), increase days available, allow city employees to apply in a city‑employee lottery and to hunt designated city parcels for a defined period, develop a registry of private hunters willing to hunt on homeowners' private property (homeowner contacts hunter directly), and consider hiring professional sharpshooters after season.
Councilmembers expressed general support for adding January and making a short, employee‑only lottery extension while retaining the orientation, check‑in and reporting protocols already in place. Staff confirmed that hunting rules, ID/tag checks, orientation videos and reporting requirements would remain in force for any expanded participation. Council did not take a binding vote to permanently expand the program at this meeting but directed staff to implement short‑term adjustments for the current season and continue evaluation.
