Revised February 1, 2024
Do you know how Shorewood’s deer management plan works? The ongoing plan was discussed at the May 22, 2023 Council meeting (start at min. 46:50) See the report from the planning director, and hear the representative from Minnesota Bow Hunters (MBI). MBI manages and conducts the hunt.
In 2011 the Planning Commission studied the feasibility of a professional hunt. The Council passed an ordinance prohibiting feeding the deer in August 2011. The hunts and feeding restrictions started in Fall 2011.
Deer feeders installed by residents on private property, throughout the city lure the animals in, where they collect as a group. While entertaining to the homeowners, feeding has serious downsides. First, the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) which has grown nationwide. Also, the accumulated feces can carry e.coli, which is harmful to humans.
As the herd collects around feeders, they do not limit their grazing to the food at hand. Deer can devastate gardens, shrubs and small trees. They cause serious monetary damage to adjacent landscaping.
What you can do:
- Do not feed the deer.
- Contact the City if you want to learn more about an organized hunt on your property.
- Use deterrents, i.e., pepper spray, coyote urine, milorganite or Irish Spring to keep them away from your landscaping and gardens.
- Report feeders as you see them.
