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Grand Rapids defers proposed public‑land archery deer hunt after neighborhood opposition
Summary
Staff announced a pause on a proposed archery deer hunt on city-owned land and plans to defer any public‑land pilot to fall 2025 after mixed public input, a petition opposing the pilot and private landowner withdrawal; staff will focus on education and regional study results before returning to the commission.
City staff presented an update on wildlife management and said they will pause the proposed pilot archery deer hunt on public land and return with more engagement and data in fall 2025.
"We are intending to defer that hunt on publicly owned property until the fall of 2025," Mr. Hurd said, citing new public feedback and additional countywide study data. He summarized public engagement: an in-person meeting before the city commission drew about 20 attendees (13 said they supported the idea and 1 opposed), an online survey of 12 respondents showed 75% opposed, and staff received a petition with 53 signatures representing 39 households in the area immediately adjacent to the 960 Bristol site; Mr. Hurd said 42% of adjacent parcels opposed the pilot.
Mr. Hurd said a 27-acre private landowner across the street initially showed interest only if the city participated and later withdrew interest after the city announced the pause. Staff told commissioners they will shift focus to education about options on private property and to collecting additional data from partners such as MDNR and GVSU to inform any future public‑land pilot.
Commissioners suggested adding visual materials to show how far arrows can travel and recommended continued outreach to property owners and neighborhood residents; one commissioner thanked staff for the work and urged continued regional coordination. No formal action or vote occurred at the meeting; staff will return with more information and community engagement before bringing any pilot back for consideration.
