Comparison of 4 methods to reduce white-tailed deer abundance in an urban community

Methods to manage white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in urban landscapes have developed rapidly in recent years. However, comparative studies that simultaneously examine costs, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of different methods used to manage deer abundance in urban communities are lacking. From 1991 to 1993, we evaluated 4 population management methods used by Bloomington, Minnesota, to reduce the deer population citywide. Deer removal methods were 1) controlled hunts within large parks and refuges, 2) opportunistic sharpshooting by conservation officers on patrol, 3) sharpshooting over bait by park rangers in a county park, and 4) sharpshooting over bait by police officers on small public land tracts. The controlled hunt was the only method that generated revenue (fees charged to hunters) and cost $117/deer killed to operate. Costs/deer killed using conservation officers and park rangers as sharpshooters were similar-$108 and $121, respectively. The highest cost ($194/deer killed) occurred when police officers were used as sharpshooters. The highest kill rate (0.55 deer/hr) was achieved when sharpshooters shot deer over bait. Combined, the 4 programs reduced winter deer densities by 46% and deer-vehicle collisions by 30%. No accidents or injuries were reported for any method. Although each method contributed to the deer management program's success, we believe that sharpshooting over bait is the most adaptable method and can be used in many urban situations. The costs of these or any other deer control programs should be balanced against the economic benefits obtained from reducing an over-abundant deer herd, such as savings in vehicle repair costs, improved road and public safety, and reduced costs in maintaining landscape and garden plantings.