Harvest slated from Jan. 15 to March 31
By Angie Landsverk
For the third consecutive year, the city of Waupaca will have a managed deer harvest to reduce the deer population in the city limits.
The common council unanimously approved the managed bow hunt when it met earlier this month.
Ald. Dmitri Martin was absent.
The hunt will take place from Jan. 15 to March 31, on large tracts of public and private property at the airport, recycling center/cemetery, Washington Street well and Waupaca Country Club.
Only does may be hunted.
“The past two years have been successful in controlling the deer population within the city limits and keeping safety as a top priority while doing so,” City Administrator Aaron Jenson wrote in a memo to the mayor and council.
He noted the idea to have another managed hunt came up during conversations with council members.
Registration website
Hunters interested in participating may visit www.cityofwaupaca.org/2019/12/09/managed-deer-hunt-2020 to sign up for it.
The city will initially acquire 20 deer tags from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Signing up does not guarantee a tag will be issued, as the city will give priority to land owners and local residents.
The police department will do background checks on those who are selected.
Hunters must have a valid bow license issued by the state and must purchase a $10 bow discharge permit from the police department.
Those selected for the hunt will be required to attend an informational meeting.
Roger Hansen, Waupaca’s street superintendent, will again coordinate the hunt.
The cost to process the deer will be the hunter’s expense.
If a hunter does not want the deer, Hansen will process and donate the venison to the Bread Basket.
“This is not an opportunity for hunters looking for trophy deer,” Jenson wrote. “Instead, it’s an opportunity for them to help mitigate damage to plants and deer/vehicle accidents within the city limits.”