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Local Regulations:The following are some topics on local regulations for the city of Stevens Point WI.
Urban Deer Management & Related IssuesOwning a garden in Stevens Point may mean you have to share its bounty with the Stevens Point urban deer herd. The deer seem to come out of the woodwork as the sunsets each night. They roam urban backyards and feast on ornamental plants and gardens. It is an issue that concerns many Stevens Point residents. It is a problem for which there is no easy solution. City of Stevens Point officials have pondered over the urban deer problem for several years with no easy, cost efficient solution presenting itself. There are several possible methods of attempting to control the urban deer population. Many of them are too expensive for the City to pursue. For example, initiating a contraception program to reduce deer birth rates would not be worth the cost, and would have to be an ongoing program. Live trapping and relocating deer is another expensive and less efficient alternative, which would again have to be maintained on a regular basis. A similar option would be to tranquilize the deer and relocate them. This method would also be costly and inefficient. An option that received some consideration by City officials is one that has been used in other municipalities with limited results. This is the use of sharp shooters to shoot the deer. This method involves trained marksman coming into the city limits for a period of time and thinning the deer herd by shooting them. City officials determined that the cost per deer to initiate this would be in the area of $100.00. This method would be a temporary solution and would have to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain a reduced urban deer population. This option has been currently ruled out for the time being due to cost and safety considerations. The idea of expanding the area accessible for bow season is one option the City is considering. It has presented itself as the safest and most cost efficient method to manage the urban deer herd in Stevens Point. Currently the City has a designated bow hunting area within the City limits. There are certain guidelines that must be followed by persons hunting on City property. They are as follows: (Rules & regulations for 2002-03 season) 1. Only antler-less deer may be harvested. 2. Hunting is not allowed within 150ft. of the Green Circle Trail. 3. No driving of deer is allowed. 4. No baiting of deer is allowed. 5. Only property owned by the City is open to hunting. No private property, whether owned by Stora Enso (formerly known as Consolidated Papers), or others can be hunted. 6. Parking is allowed on Mason St. near the old landfill and on Whiting Av. near the crushing site. 7. After filling their tag, the hunter holder shall notify the City Engineering Department at 346-1561 between 7:30am 4:00pm. Top of page
City OrdinanceThe City has an ordinance on the books that aids in discouraging even more deer from entering the City. The ordinance prohibits the feeding of deer within City limits. The ordinance is found under City Ordinance Chapter 14 Animal Care & Licenses. The ordinance states the following: 14.25 Feeding of deer prohibited. No person may place any salt, mineral, grain, fruit or vegetable material outdoors on any public or private property for the purpose of feeding whitetail deer. (1) PRESUMPTION. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that either of the following acts are for the purpose of feeding whitetail deer. (a) The placement of salt, mineral, grain, fruit or vegetable material in an aggregate quantity of greater than one-half gallon at the height of less than six feet off the ground. (b) The placement of salt, mineral, grain, fruit or vegetable material in an aggregate quantity of greater than one-half gallon in a drop feeder, automatic feeder or similar device regardless of the height of the grain, fruit or vegetable material. (2) EXCEPTIONS. This ordinance shall not apply to the following situations. (a) Hunting. The placement of bait for the purpose of hunting whitetail deer subject to all other laws, ordinances, rules & regulations governing hunting and the discharge of hunting weapons. (b) Naturally growing materials. Naturally growing grain, fruit or vegetable material, including gardens and residue from lawns, gardens & other vegetable materials maintained as a mulch pile. (c) Bird feeders. Unmodified commercially purchased bird feeders or their equivalent. (d) Authorized by the Common Council. Deer feeding may be authorized on a temporary basis by the Common Council for a specific public purpose as determined by the Common Council. (e) Counting. Deer feeding may be authorized on a temporary basis by the Common Council for the purpose of determining the deer population.
**** This ordinance is still applicable to all areas that fall into the City of Stevens Point jurisdiction regardless of current state law pertaining to the ban on baiting and feeding of deer as a result of the Chronic Wasting Disease issue. As of May 1st, 2003 the statewide ban has been lifted. This could however change again as early as August 1st, or September 1st, 2003. Top of page |
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For more information contact
Dr. Tim F. Ginnett, (715) 346 - 4191
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