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 four (24) hunters will be selected by lottery for the 2021 archery hunt which will consist of 12 hunting zones within six city parks. Applications are due by Wednesday, August 18. Click here for hunter eligibility criteria, schedule, and the application.