To: KRCU

Subject: RE: Urban Deer Hunt Update

From: Conrad, Gayle
Sent: Thursday, December 9, 2021 4:13 PM
Subject: Urban Deer Hunt Update

On December 5, 2021, the Cape Girardeau Managed Deer Hunt came to completion. Over the 5 week hunt, there were a total of 13 deer (9 does, 2 antlerless bucks and 2 antlered bucks) harvested out of the various hunting zones.   This was a pilot program to allow the City to ascertain its ability to safely address the Urban Deer Herd and assist in controlling its size and impact on the City and its Citizens, and therefore the expectations of the hunt were simple. These expectations were to manage a hunt within City limits safely and reduce the number of deer within the City.

While the amount of deer harvested was not as large as the City had hoped for, the overall expectations were met. The City managed a 5 week deer hunt without incident to members of the public and also managed to decrease the deer population.

So what is next for the City and its Urban Deer Management Program?

At this time City staff will review the hunt from all aspects and communicate findings to the City Council. Once the City Council is able to review the information, a determination will be made whether to continue the same program, change the current program, or eliminate the Urban Deer Management program completely. The City will provide an update on the progress and decisions as they are being made.