Council approves deer-hunt resolutions after debate over scope and data

Birchwood Village’s City Council approved two resolutions authorizing elements of the village’s deer-hunt program after extended public comment and council discussion about effectiveness and public-safety rationale.

Residents voiced mixed views at the public forum. Steve Shad asked how the town determined the herd population and the basis for setting a cap of 30 deer, saying "there's not one municipality anywhere that has successfully solved the deer problem by culling" and urging the council to share data. Ron Malis, a volunteer with the culling program, described operational details and said the program follows DNR guidance: "the meat is used either [for] the food shelf or somebody who would ask for it," he said, and reported a rough local count of eight deer taken last year and an estimated herd of 30–40 when deer aggregate in December.

Council members discussed neighboring jurisdictions’ participation (Mamei and White Bear Township) and whether the town should host a town-hall meeting to explain the rationale and science to residents. Ryan suggested inviting outside expertise and promised to pursue public engagement before renewing any longer-term contract. The council nonetheless proceeded to approve the two resolutions under the consent/regular agenda: Resolution 2024-36 and Resolution 2024-37 were each moved and carried.

Context and next steps: Councilors repeatedly framed the hunt as a combination of protecting property, gardens and public safety on roads at night. Several members said the town should revisit the overall approach before renewing the culling contract (current contract runs through 2025). Staff and volunteers said this year Mamei did not join the local coordinated program because paperwork was not completed, and they expect potential broader participation next year, which could change effectiveness.