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West Bend deer management: 86 deer removed in 2026; 2,400 pounds of venison donated
Summary
Staff reported the city’s eighth year working with USDA and DNR on deer management; UAV surveys supported permit requests, 86 deer were removed across eight properties in 2026 and approximately 2,400 pounds of ground venison were donated to the West Bend food pantry.
City staff updated the council on the deer management program and said improved UAV survey coverage helps set permit requests with the Wisconsin DNR.
Mike, presenting the deer management committee report, said the USDA used UAVs to survey properties and staff then coordinated with DNR permit processes. In 2026 a total of 86 deer were removed from eight properties and the harvested venison — about 2,400 pounds — was processed and donated to the West Bend food pantry. "Those harvested deer are then processed and the 2400 pounds of ground venison delivered to the West Bend food pantry for their distribution," Mike said.
Staff told the council survey technology and coverage have improved and that biologists view the herd as being managed and not showing major growth; residents’ complaints about deer have reportedly declined. The committee said the program will continue to coordinate with the DNR and property owners and will use surveys as one tool to set annual permit requests.
