As I mentioned in my last post, City Council voted unanimously to authorize the Missouri Conservation Commission to organize and manage a controlled deer hunt in the south and southeast parts of Springfield in2010.

The City Council came to this decision from several different routes.  First of all, after two meetings with employees of the Missouri Conservation Commission,representatives from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, and an employee from City Utilities on whose property is controlled deer hunt is ongoing.

In these meetings we learned of the large amount of research done regarding deer populations in urban areas; we learned about some of the diseases that are carried by ticks on the deer; we heard about the safety features built into a controlled hunt after reviewing the results of almost a hundred deer hunts around the country; and we heard via phone calls,emails, and personal appearances at Council meeting from citizens in the areas most affected.

I was most impressed with the safety features that have been recommended by the Commission and these will be incorporated into the controlled hunt in 2010.

First of all, hunters interested in harvesting deer must apply for a tag in order to participate. To get the tag, they must show proof of training and insurance in the amount of $2 million.  In addition, they have to participate in a proficiency test, using the same equipment that they will use in the hunt. 

Imagine taking the lid off a metal 55-gallon drum and cutting a six-inch hole in the center. Archers will then have to hit that small target repeatedly to qualify for the hunt.

Secondly, each hunter will be assigned to a certain plot of land and risk fines if they wander off that plot.  There will also be assigned parking for the participants.

The participants have to use broadhead arrows while they hunt to ensure the effectiveness of the hit.  In addition, they will have to wear their deer tag where it is readily visible and the matching tear-off card must be displayed in their vehicle.

Each hunter agrees to hunt only from an approved elevated deer stand.  This ensures that the hunter is shooting down at an angle at the target deer.  By shooting at a downward angle, if the archer misses the target, the arrow will simply bury itself in the ground and not continue horizontally off the plot of land.

Also, to further help the community, the hunters will have the option of donating the venison to local food banks.