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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Resolution approving continued bow hunting within the park system Urban Deer Management Program as detailed in the Urban Deer Management OrdinanceRESOLUTION NO. 26-576 RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTINUED BOW HUNTING WITHIN THE PARK SYSTEM URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AS DETAILED IN THE URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA WHEREAS, over the past several decades, Ames has experienced citizen complaints about deer damage, vehicle-deer collisions, and other issues associated with deer within the City; and, WHEREAS, in an attempt to address these concerns, a Special Urban Deer Task Force (SUDTF) was convened in 2006. The City ordinance establishing the SUDTF requires an annual report to the City Council. Previous Task Force recommendations to the City Council have included an annual survey of deer populations, a ban on deer feeding, public education efforts, and limited urban bow hunting of deer. In 2021, the reporting frequency was amended to once every five years; and, WHEREAS, urban deer hunting has been conducted in a limited number of locations under special rules administered by the Police Department; and, WHEREAS, the Urban Deer Task Force members support the continuation of hunting in designated City-owned property locations. Dates for these locations are recommended by the Parks and Recreation staff within the established dates and times set by the DNR; and, WHEREAS, the Urban Deer Task Force is recommending continuation with improvements to private property hunting as follows: a) In areas where the total hunting area is 3 acres or more (may include multiple abutting properties) I. The hunter must obtain a signed waiver from the landowner authorizing hunting on the property. II. The hunter must comply with any additional requirements established by the landowner. III. There is no minimum hunting distance from buildings if the landowner has provided consent. IV. All proposed private property hunting locations must be approved by the Ames Police Department deer management coordinator. V. A site visit by the coordinator is required. b) In areas where the total hunting area is less than 3 acres. (May include multiple abutting properties.) I. The hunter must obtain a signed waiver from the landowner authorizing hunting on the property. II. The hunter must comply with any additional requirements established by the landowner. III. Permission from property owners that abut the property must be obtained. IV. There is no minimum hunting distance from buildings if the landowner has provided consent. V. All proposed private property hunting locations must be approved by the Ames Police Department deer management coordinator. VI. A site visit by the coordinator is required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that continued bow hunting within the park system, City property, and other eligible property as detailed in the Urban Deer Management ordinance and the proposed rule changes regarding deer hunting on private property as listed above are hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 8th day of September, 2026. _______________________________ _________________________________ Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Betcher Seconded by: Gartin Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Gartin, Rollins Voting nay: None Absent: Corrieri, Junck Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 8 th day of September, 2026.