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Staff provided an overview of the deer population data that is periodically collected by Ramsey <br />County. The last reliable count was in 2021, when a minimum population of 41 deer in Roseville <br />was recorded. Ramsey County attempted a flyover survey in 2023 but due to poor conditions, the <br />data was unreliable. <br />In the 2022-23 management season, 23 deer were removed. The City received tags to remove up <br />to 49. This lower than expected number was consistent with results throughout the Twin Cities <br />Metropolitan Area. <br />Commissioner Raygor stated that she observed many people feeding deer in her neighborhood. <br /> <br /> Staff continued a presentation regarding the forthcoming deer removal season. Given the lack of <br />accurate flyover data, staff are forced to rely on other data sources to estimate the current deer <br />population. Anecdotal sources used include reported deer sightings, USDA observations, <br />collision data, trail cameras and condition of deer harvested. <br /> Reported deer sightings are consistent with one year ago <br /> Collision data this year is on a similar pace to last year <br /> Majority of feedback received is pro reduction effort <br />Staff discussed the DNR formula for estimating population growth. <br />Staff proposed a possible approach in which they would request 35 tags, which is equal to the <br />average number of deer that have been removed each of the last three seasons. They would enter <br />the season with the intention of removing 20 to 30 deer, but with the ability to adjust and remove <br />up to 35 deer if conditions on the ground warrant such removals. <br /> <br />Commissioner Raygor stated that she feels that the deer population is too large. <br />Commissioner Baggenstoss stated that limiting the number of tags to 35 would be a mistake, as <br />he felt that in the early years of the program, staff were limited by the number of tags and were <br />not able to effectively manage the program. He recommended requesting 49 or 50 tags, and <br />managing actual removals based on “real time” site data. <br />Commissioner Ybarra agreed that 35 was too low of a number. <br />Chair Dahlstrom asked if staffhave the ability to adjust and request more tags during the season. <br />Staff stated that once tags have been requested, additional tags are likely not an option, so the <br />number of tags that are requested would be the maximum number of deer removed. <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />