​Deer Management Philosophy

Grand Rapids values our shared ecosystem with all urban wildlife, including deer. We aim for coexistence in a way that balances safety, natural environment and the built environment. Our commitment is to a sustainable city where residents enjoy urban wildlife and can live together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Qualified, highly-skilled bow hunters will be granted access to participate in deer management. The President of the Michigan chapter of the National Deer Association and Public Services will work to recruit and identify bow hunters. 

No. This pilot program will only allow archery hunting. 

  • Hunting is only permitted in designated public and private area participating in the pilot. 
  • No baiting. 
  • No use of screws or nails in trees. 
  • Ground blinds may be permitted. 
  • Field dressing allowed but discards must be removed from property.
  • All hunters must comply with all Michigan DNR rules and regulations. 
  •  Hunters must maintain a 30 yard distance from any property line. 
  • Any wounded deer that travels to adjoining property requires permission from property owners to recover deer. 
  • Each hunter will be required to sign a waiver, indemnification, and hold harmless document prior to hunting. 
  • City of Grand Rapids reserves the right to amend, suspend, or revoke these rules and regulations at any time. 

The hunter is solely responsible for harvesting the deer and disposing of its remains. Any harvesting related to deer management will be donated to identified community organizations. 

 

Urban hunters can and should use the deer for their own needs. 

Bow hunters do not need to use their personal license. Instead, they will need to obtain a Deer Management Assistant Permit (DMAP). The City of Grand Rapids plans to utilize the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to obtain and distribute DMAPs to selected bow hunters. 

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Contact Us:

 If you have questions regarding the proposed pilot program or urban hunting in The City of Grand Rapids, you can contact us via: 

email: deermanagement@publicinput.com

voicemail at 1-855-925-2801, project code: 10943

Timeline and Overview

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Communication and Engagement Effort

Beginning next year, there will be engagement and education regarding deer management and potential urban archery hunting for the Fall 2025 season. Engagement will be focused by Ward as well as intentional interaction with impacted property owners. 

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Decision: Public Safety Committee

On December 17, Public Services presented to the Public Safety Committee explaining that the City of Grand Rapids will not go forward with a January 2025 pilot for 960 Bristol Ave NW.

After engaging with impacted property owners and further research, there was a determination that more engagement needed to be conducted as well as development of processes. 

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Update: Committee of the Whole

On December 3, 2024 Public Services presented a report regarding the proposed pilot program including the the feedback gained from the December 2nd meeting to the City Commission. 

During this meeting, it was decided that City staff will develop an additional engagement and communication plan to present at the Public Safety Committee meeting on December 17, 2024. 

 

 

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Early Engagement and Feedback with Bristol Ave.

On December 2, 2024, a meeting for property owners located near the 960 Bristol Ave NW parcel was held to understand perceptions and sentiment regarding the proposed pilot for deer management. Flyers regarding the program were delivered. Additionally, an optional digital survey was made available to residents.

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Initial Proposal: Public Safety Committee

On November 19, 2024, Public Services presented an initial proposal for wildlife management and the deer hunting pilot. The Public Safety Commission decided to move forward with a combination of two options: 

  1. Inform and educate residents on archery hunting on private property as well as the 960 Bristol Ave NW pilot program. 
  2. Schedule the program for January 1-31 2025 on one property.  

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Ongoing City Discussions: Summer 2023

In the Summer of 2023 at the Public Safety Committee, initial discussions regarding deer management occurred. The Public Safety Committee requested City staff to research strategies to manage the deer herd. 

Since then, deer management has been a consistent topic of discussion at both Public Safety Committee and City Commission meetings.