In 2008, this ordinance was developed to manage the City’s deer population after seeing a noted increase in the number of deer being struck and killed or injured by vehicles.  Since 2008, Animal Control picks up an average of 152 (ranging from 126 to 183) dead dear and an additional 20-40 injured deer per year.  This rate has remained constant and any sign of reduction in occurrences is absent.  In speaking with the qualified hunters that participate in this program, the number one limiting factor is access to suitable harvest areas.  By reducing the minimum size of what is considered to be property eligible to hunt, the opportunity of the hunter being successful increases and assists the City in managing its deer population.