Control the Kzoo Deer Herd

Have lived in Winchell for 30+ years. The deer population is out of control.

For the amount of property taxes we are paying, it is unacceptable that the city is ignoring this issue.

Please do something about the deer population in Winchell.

I love deers

I’m all in favor of an urban archery season in Kalamazoo and Portage. Kalamazoo County has limited public hunting access as it is. If we can help the deer herd and open up more hunting opportunities it sounds like a win win. If you’re a person that wants local fresh food, doesn’t get much better.

The Winchell neighborhood deer population is well over populated. Many individuals are emaciated and unhealthy and high densities of deer increase risk of disease transmission. A major concern is the high risk of Lyme disease, which is exasperated by high deer numbers because deer are a primary second host for black-legged ticks, the vector of Lyme disease. Peer-reviewed studies show higher deer densities increase densities of black-legged ticks and Lyme. A second, but major risk, is chronic wasting disease. CWD is spreading throughout southern Michigan, largely due to high deer densities. CWD is not in Kalamazoo county yet, but maintaining a CWD free zone requires taking a pro-active approach, which is why the DNR has various restrictions in place, such as banning feeding. Once CWD establishes in an area it is extremely difficult to remove it. The most cost efficient and effective strategy to reducing the deer population is to allow bow hunting in highly regulated areas. Sterilization is not a good option because it is not particularly effective and is extremely expensive. Many cities around the US have successfully implemented urban bow hunting to reduce deer populations. Devin Bloom, PhD (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology)

The deer population has become out of control in Kalamazoo County and both deer and people are suffering. A solution is needed.

The deer are getting out of control. Please do something in the city.

My neighbor feeds them. There in my yard/ walk up and down the streets.

Have seen as many as 13 deer in our back yard. I see them daily all year round.

Lived here on Winchell and Sheffield 40 years! In the last three, the deer have destroyed 36 years of investment in our gardens and ground covers! Enough is enough! Now spending $$$ on Deer sprays, etc. Do something about the deer herd please!! There are 8-10 in my front and back yard every night - AND it’s a bust corner!!

It is shameful and ignorant of the City to ignore this problem until Chronic Wasting Disease arrives. We need to implement the DNR recommendations regarding culling the herd from the study done a few years ago. More people and more deer will ultimately suffer as the City refuses to take responsible action. Deer/auto collisions, deer waste and deer parasites are a real threat.

Definitely time to cull the herd. A deer is going to run out in front of a car and someone is going to try to avoid the deer and cause other damage/harm in the process.

Besides feces on my sidewalk & in my yard, we’ve seen an abundance of close calls with cars.

Deer have ran into shop windows downtown and had to be killed by police. There are at least 7 deer that are seen 3x or more a week near maple street and cross town parkway and in the Girl Scout property as well as between peeler and maple street.

Culling will be beneficial to the deer. Nice to feed families in need. Good for the community.

Sooner the better...destroying yard, scaring dog, traffic hazard

Need to address situation as it has become a major public nuisance

Not a healthy situation for deer or people.

Glad to see! A controlled cull for study and to feed families would be an awesome learning experience for the next generation.