Politics & Government

Does Manchester Have a Deer Problem?

That's what city leaders what to know so they want to hear from the Missouri Department of Conservation. What do you think? Tell us in the Patch poll in this article.

Manchester city leaders have been receiving calls from residents about deer issues within city limits for a while now. They have also been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to understand what really constitutes a "deer issue."

In October 2011, Mayor David Willson said he, along with Manchester Director of Public Works Bob Ruck and Alderman Michael Clement, met with MDC officials to discuss the city's deer population.

"At this time, it's something to think about, but right now it is not an issue," Willson stated in October.

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However, the city is now revisting the issue.

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At the most recent board of aldermen meeting, Alderman Paul Hamill asked if the city could have the MDC come address deer in Manchester with aldermen in the near future. He and other aldermen would like MDC representaives to explain what a healthy poplulation is for a city.

Ruck said the even though they met with MDC at the end of last year, he would contact MDC to come discuss the matter with city leaders.

"It had been an increasing problem. We disposed of 12 deer last year and budgeted for eight. This year we've already disposed of three," Ruck explained.

Deer overpoplulation is an issue the many . MDC officials have repeatedly pointed out that many of the deer in the area live and breed in nearby

Ruck said what MDC has relayed to him is that it's really those who live within a city that determine if there is a deer problem by the number of deer issues they are dealing with and how much of a nuisance or danger they become.

"The problem is in the perception of the people," Ruck explained. He said said there is indications deer are becoming a growing issue. "There is going to be a problem."

Alderman Marilyn Ottenad is one who is receiving calls from concerend residents. She said neighbors feeding deer is contributing to the problem and suggested a city ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer by residents. However, she also questioned how the city would enforce it.

"The ordinance would be a good place to start, until we see where we're going," Ottenad said.

Check back to Town and Country - Manchester Patch for any updates on this story.

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