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Provo Council hears BYU-run urban deer control plan that would use captive-bolt euthanasia
Summary
Provo staff and BYU presenters described a pilot deer-control program contract in which BYU would run most daily operations, include indemnification language, and switch from firearms to captive‑bolt euthanasia; councilors pressed for herd-size estimates, timing, and a draft indemnity before final approval.
Provo City Council heard a proposal to manage a large, in‑campus deer population under a contract in which Brigham Young University (BYU) would carry out most day‑to‑day operations. Nicholas Wollstein, the city’s assistant attorney, told the council the draft plan would keep the program under the city’s authority but have BYU operate the captures and euthanasia under contract and carry liability protections for the work.
Wollstein said the plan anticipates trapping deer on BYU property, euthanizing them with captive‑bolt pistols rather than firearms, and coordinating meat donation to a vetted list of roughly 20 donors: “we'd really use a captive bolt pistols to euthanize the … deer,” he said, describing the shift as a safety measure that would reduce public disturbance. He and BYU staff said antlers would be handled by the state wildlife division rather than retained privately.
Councilors pressed staff for operating details and goals. Councilor Gary Garrett asked whether the campus herd remained roughly 50–60 animals; presenters confirmed the estimate and said the city and BYU intend to reduce the herd toward a management target of about 20 deer over several years. Staff proposed carrying out trapping during August when many students are away and limiting annual removals to help the herd approach the target gradually.
Councilors also asked about legal protections and contract terms. Wollstein said the proposed city–BYU contract would include an indemnification clause so BYU would assume many daily‑operation risks; council members requested the indemnity draft be provided before any final action. Councilor Becky Bogden and Councilor Jeff Whitlock raised operational safety and transparency questions about on‑site euthanasia, trap design and coordination with donor organizations; staff said operational protocols and the indemnity draft will be circulated for council review.
The council did not take a final vote on the plan at this work meeting; staff indicated they would return with a draft contract and more precise operational and indemnity language for council consideration.
