Roseville Council to Debate Controlled Deer Hunt

After more than a three-fold increase in deer sightings since 2006, the Roseville City Council is scheduled Monday to debate a controlled hunt to reduce the deer population and the threat of cars and other vehicles striking the animals.

The May 23 agenda item comes after earlier this month, some residents from northern Roseville complained to the Council about deer grazing that damaged or destroyed shrubs and trees.  There has been an increase in deer sightings – mostly in northeastern Roseville – from 15 in 2006 to 51 this year, according to a report prepared by city officials. 

The anticipated council discussion at the May 23 meeting about how to address the deer problem is one of several wildlife-related concerns expressed by Roseville citizens, and follows discussions with Ramsey County officials and leaders of several county cities that have allowed controlled hunting of deer.

According to city documents, residents also have called City Hall with complaints about or sightings of grouse, wild turkey and, most recently, coyotes.

Other items on the May 23  council agenda include a preliminary estimate of 2012 property tax increases and changes in the city’s forestation control program to reflect the increasing Emerald Ash Borer infestation.