Managed bow hunting permitted within Waupaca city limits
By Angie Landsverk
The city of Waupaca will again have a managed, anterless deer harvest to reduce the deer population in the city limits.
The common council approved the bow hunt when it met virtually on Jan. 5.
It will take place from Jan. 15 to March 31, on large tracts of public and private lands at the airport, recycling center/cemetery, Well 2 on Washington Street and Waupaca Country Club.
This will be the same season as last year, and only does may be hunted as in prior seasons.
It will the fourth year the city has had such a season.
City Administrator Aaron Jenson said the effort has been successful.
Last year, 13 deer were harvested.
Street Superintendent Roger Hansen will again manage the city deer hunt, coordinating with Jacob Fries, of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Jenson said Hansen has done an “excellent” job administering the hunt the past few years.
“As a reminder, only antlerless deer are taken during this hunt. This is not an opportunity for hunters looking for trophy deer but an opportunity for them to help mitigate damage to plants and deer/vehicle accidents within the city limits,” Jenson wrote in a memo to the mayor and common council.
Registration
Hunters interested in participating may register here.
The city will initially acquire 20 deer tags from the DNR.
Signing up for the hunt does not guarantee a tag will be issued, as the city will again 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.
Permits are good for two years and must be turned in to Hansen before Jan. 15.
Those who are selected may only hunt with the type of bow they are permitted to use.
Hansen will meet with each hunter to explain the rules of the hunt, including the hours and locations.
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 in Waupaca.