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City seeks bow hunters

Waupaca’s second harvest begins week of Jan. 20

By Angie Landsverk


A managed bow hunt is again taking place in the city of Waupaca this winter as a way to control its deer population.

The common council voted 10-0 in favor of having another one when it met on Jan. 2.

Only does may be hunted.

Last year was the first time the city had such a harvest.

This year’s managed bow hunt is expected to begin during the week of Jan. 20.

It runs through March 31.

Hunters interested in participating may visit www.cityofwaupaca.org/2019/01/04/managed-deer-hunt to fill out the application.

City Administrator Henry Veleker said applications are being accepted from Wednesday, Jan. 9 through Thursday, Jan. 17.

Hunters are again being chosen by lottery.

While all are welcome to register, he said city residents and landowners will be given first priority this year.

About 100 people applied for last year’s hunt, and Veleker noted some did not live in Waupaca County.

“We think it’s appropriate to give city residents first chance,” he told the council.

Background checks are being done on those selected through the lottery.

When the police department did background checks last year on the 99 people who applied, about 25 percent were eliminated.

The department is checking for hunting violations, infractions and warrants.

Those selected for the hunt are required to attend a safety session.

Veleker said that date is to be determined.

Roger Hansen, Waupaca’s street superintendent, is again coordinating the hunt.

The city is initially acquiring 20 deer tags.

“Last year, we ordered about 20 tags and used eight, and the hunt wasn’t even six weeks,” Veleker said.

The city gets the tags through the deer nuisance permit it received from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The hunt is taking place on large tracts of public and private property at the city airport, recycling center and cemetery, Washington Street well and Waupaca County Club.

When a member of the council noted many people visit the cemetery, Veleker explained that hunting is going to be on the back portion of the cemetery that abuts the recycling center.

“Roger knows how to space the hunters out,” he said.

Hunters need a valid Wisconsin bow license, and may only hunt with the type of bow they are permitted to use.

A $10 bow discharge permit is also required from the Waupaca Police Department.

The permit is good for two years.

The cost to process the deer is at the expense of the hunters.

Veleker plans to provide updates about the hunt to the council.

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