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Howard board adds two village parcels to deer archery program after resident safety concerns
Summary
The Village Board approved adding parcels VH-480 and VH-1504 to the 2026–27 deer archery season after the Deer Control Committee recommended it. Residents raised safety concerns at public comment; trustees emphasized DNR-aligned safety rules including elevated hunting positions.
The Village of Howard Board voted unanimously on June 22 to add two village-owned parcels, VH-480 and VH-1504, to the Deer Management Program for the 2026–27 deer archery season.
Administrator Paul Evert said the Deer Control Committee recommended the additions to address rising deer numbers on village property near residential areas. "The committee determined the parcels are safe for hunting," Trustee Cathy Hughes said, adding that participating hunters must meet safety and eligibility requirements established by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
At public comment, Zach Holschuer of 1341 Rockwell Road told the board that about 50 residents live near the proposed hunting area and urged the Village to consider nonlethal alternatives and the safety of nearby children. An anonymous resident of 1135 Chapel Hill Circle described an increasing deer population around Chapel Hill Circle and nearby cemetery and neighborhoods.
Trustees asked about nonlethal options. Hughes said enforcement of the Village's deer feeding ordinance has reduced feeding activity but that some violations continue and are handled by the Humane Officer; she noted limitations to other population-control methods and reiterated that archery hunting remained the committee's recommended approach. Trustee Hughes also said hunters are required to hunt from an elevated position and to direct arrows downward to reduce arrow travel distance.
Trustee Mike Nieft described personal observations of deer moving through residential neighborhoods and said the Village is taking reasonable, safety-focused steps. Trustee Maria Lasecki asked the Village to continue exploring nonlethal measures such as deer-crossing signage.
Cathy Hughes moved to approve the addition of VH-480 and VH-1504 to the program; Trustee Chris Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The board did not change ordinances at the meeting. The addition is an operational decision allowing the Deer Control Committee and authorized hunters to use the two parcels during the 2026–27 archery season.
