GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) - The Grand Haven City Council recently approved a plan to thin the city's deer herd. The hunt will take place before this month is over.
John Nedderman remembers when a single deer drew attention. Now he expects half a dozen in his yard. He says the hunt is long overdue. Some of the Grand Haven herd make daily visits to chew on Nedderman's landscaping. He got nets that were supposed to keep deer away. It hasn't worked.
John Naser, a Grand Haven Councilman says, "We do not intend to eliminate the herd, just thin it out." Naser's "yes" vote helped approve the hunt. He says deer are damaging property, showing up on decks, and becoming a public safety concern. The issue passed in time for a DNR-approved January hunt. The city will pay professional sharpshooters around $5,000 to complete the task.
The number of deer to be taken has not yet been determined. Thinning efforts will concentrate on Lake Forest Cemetery and Mulligan's Hollow. The airport and Harbor Island are also possible hunting sites.
Councilman Michael Fritz says the issue is being rushed. He voted "no". Fritz says more time was needed to implement suggestions from a "deer herd task force." He says their recommendation was to change the fence ordinance to 8 feet. "We have not gotten a true deer count."
John Nedderman says the deer replace themselves quickly. He believes the city will be revisiting this issue year after year.
Grand Haven residents have filed 124 deer related complaints with the city since May 1st. The meat from the hunt will be donated to local food pantries.
Jon Mills
In your voice
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