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Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting, March 2019

Dryden council looks at how to curb the urban deer population

By Tim Davidson Nov 15, 2024 | 8:53 AM

Dryden city council is once again grappling with the urban deer problem.

A report was delivered to council this week with five different options.

By-law control Officer Tanner Pecarski outlined them, including one that had the most support from councillors.

“Request additional antlerless deer tags to be issued by the MNR and that would go all the way up to the minister for approval,” Pecarski told council at their Committee of the Whole meeting this week.

“However, the MNR did mention that it is possible to designate an area, and they would include that within the regulations, and those tags will only be applicable in that area.”

Pecarski adds that unfortunately the city has ideal conditions for increasing the deer population.

“I’m of the opinion that they are here to stay, and they reproduce very quickly given that there are no predators and an abundance of food sources, and very low stress levels.  Deer thrive in an like environment like that.”

Other options include sterilizing the female deer population, relocating them out of town or increasing hunting opportunities within the community.

(File photo)