August 21, 2017 – West Bend, WI – There’s an item on tonight’s West Bend Common Council agenda the Deer Management Assistance Program.
During the July 24 meeting the council voted to delay making a decision until a special committee could better study the situation. Neighbors have indicated something has to be done with a growing population of deer in the community. The number of vehicle accidents are reportedly on the rise and many complain about damage to plants and gardens on their property.
District 1 alderman John Butschlick said it appears tonight’s vote is going to be tabled because not all the council members will be at the meeting.
Some of the discussion items from the special committee meeting with Aldermen Steve Hutchins and Adam Williquette include a test program at Lac Lawrann Conservancy to trim the deer population.
The test would be done in the winter, during weekdays and under controlled circumstances.
Butschlick said some of the discussion focused on hiring sharpshooters, a D-map through the DNR for antlerless permits in specific areas, or hunters would obtain a nuisance permit through the DNR where only bow and arrow could be used.
“I’m a little hesitant to allow shooting in the parks,” said Butschlick. “It’s a lot safer with bow.”
Butschlick said the sharpshooters would also be costly at possibly between $150 – $500 a deer.
The next time the Deer Management Assistance Program will be on the council agenda is Sept. 11.
The rest of the agenda for tonight’s meeting is below. Some highlights include: appointing Mike Husar to the Long Range Transportation Planning Committee, discussion/approval of a city revolving loan for EPIC Creative, and a permit for bed races at Regner Park on Sept. 30.
The council meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
