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Parks board approves annual deer reduction at Wesselman Woods after debate over resident access
Summary
The Evansville City Board of Parks Commissioners granted permission for the annual deer reduction at Wesselman Woods, while members pressed staff to prioritize Vanderburgh County hunters and to explore donating deer meat to local shelters.
The Evansville City Board of Parks Commissioners voted Sept. 4 to permit the department to conduct its annual deer reduction at Wesselman Woods, a long-running program staff says is necessary to restore forest regeneration.
Derek Walsh, director of natural resources and research at Wesselman Woods, told the board the select, vetted hunting team has performed the call for nearly 20 years but has tightened safety and proficiency requirements. "They follow all Indiana hunting guidelines," Walsh said, adding that hunters are tested for firearm and archery proficiency and that hunting occurs on days the facility is closed.
Board members raised questions about who is eligible to participate. The Board President said the property is county-owned and pressed Walsh to ensure Vanderburgh County residents have priority access. "I don't want people from outside of the county resourcing our property," the president said and asked staff to consider a lottery or other system to give county residents first opportunity.
Walsh said most of the hunting team is from Vanderburgh County; he identified two coordinators, Brett Meyer (local) and Mike Rudasill (Booneville), and described a referral and vetting process led by the team's coordinators and Wesselman board members. Walsh also said carcasses are usually hauled off-trail and organs are harvested to feed rehabilitated raptors, but he confirmed meat has not routinely been processed for donation. "The hunters are very willing to work with us" on donation or processing, he added.
Board members discussed safety and insurance for the operation; one member noted the team likely carries significant liability coverage and that participants undergo proficiency testing at local ranges. The board heard that archery season begins Sept. 15 and firearms season begins Nov. 16. After discussion and one abstention by the Board President, the board approved the permission to conduct the deer reduction.
Next steps included staff direction to return with a resident-priority plan for future seasons and to prepare a more detailed program outline for the board's review before next year.
