DNR officials outline Decorah's options for deer control

Ross Ellingson is a "depredation biologist" for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, based in the Manchester field office, covering 18 counties in NE Iowa.  His job is to help control the deer population--especially in areas where deer have been causing problems.

Might Decorah fit into that category?  Ellingson spoke to the Decorah City Council Monday night and told the group "We don't have an estimate of Decorah's deer population."  But he outlined the options Decorah faces if it decides to do something to reduce deer numbers within the city limits.

Hunting is the most effective way to reduce the deer population.  Decorah currently allows bow hunting of deer on private property within the city limits, with permission of the property owner.  The city could continue to encourage such hunting, says Ellingson.

A second option would be to apply to the DNR for a "deer management zone."  Such a proposal would have to go in to the DNR by mid-April of next year, with a DNR decision in summer and hunting during the fall.  A favorable ruling would lead to the issuance of a special quote of licenses for hunters to kill antlerless deer.  Ellingson says such a program could reduce the deer population within the city limits to "acceptable levels."

But fellow Iowa DNR employee Terry Haindfeld cautioned that such a program "could be very controversial."  Said Haindfeld, "One deer is too much for some people and 100 deer is too little for others."

Decorah resident Beverly Crumb-Gesme urged the city council to go ahead with a stronger program.  Crumb-Gesme, who lives on Linden Street near Phelps Park, said she saw seven deer in her yard Monday evening and has seen as many at 16 deer at a time.  "There is nothing that seems to frighten them," said Curmb-Gesme, adding, "Something needs to be done."

The issue will probably be referred to the city's Public Safety Committee in the first of the new year, with any application to the DNR needing to be field by April 15th.