As the metro area continues to expand, parks have become enclosed with roadways and developments, isolating deer populations. With the lack of sufficient natural predators, deer populations have increased beyond the carrying capacity of the land. In an effort to control deer populations, increase public safety on the roadways, and minimize impacts on the environment as well as private property surrounding park land, the City of Elk River has implemented controlled archery deer hunts. The intent of these hunts is to maintain a healthy population of deer within the parks while minimizing the damage as a result of over population.
Twenty six (26) hunters will be selected by lottery for the 2019 archery hunt which will consist of 13 hunting zones within seven city parks. Applications are due by Friday, August 16. Click here for hunter eligibility criteria, schedule, and the application.