SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Thinning the urban deer herd will continue through February in southeastern and northeastern Sioux Falls.
Animal Control Supervisor Julie DeJong says Game, Fish and Parks is permitting the removal of 50 deer.
She says shooters will target does. That's because does are the ones that help the population grow so quickly, they're the reproducers. DeJong says an adult doe will often carry twins and, given their urban surrounding, fawns have better than average chance of surviving into adults
Deer-vehicle collisions happen most frequently along the I-229 and Rice Street corridors. Last year 139 deer were killed after being hit by vehicles on city roads.
DeJong sats deer couts last fall indicated a slight decline in the herds in southeastern Sioux Falls, but deer populations remain high in the Rice Street area. A herd of 40 was recently observed in Tomar Park.
The meat is donated to Sportsmen Against Hunger who process it for the food bank.
