At their January 6^th meeting, the Big Rapids City Commission will be voting on a resolution to have a deer cull.

 

City Manager Mark Gifford says historically the city have had deer culls however there were none in 2019 and some residents have noticed an increase in the deer population within their area.

 

“The area we are proposing would be in and around the hospital which has a lot of deer in it and there have been a number of residents who have asked for the deer cull.” Gifford said. “Also we've had residents who live in and around the area of the community pool voice their concern about the deer population as well.” Gifford added.

 

If passed, the city work with the DNR to get tags for 15-20 deer and then would hire the USDA Wildlife Service to perform the cull at the selected locations.

 

Meat from the cull would be tested and donated to various food pantries.