SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) – The Sioux Falls Police Department has begun its fourth annual deer harvest this month.
The program helps reduce property damage and improves the health of Sioux Falls’ deer population. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks began issuing permits in 2015, after a comprehensive study was completed including deer population counts, property damage reports, deer-vehicle collision data, and public input.
This year, the City requested a permit to remove 50 deer from the southeastern and northeastern portions of Sioux Falls. One hundred twenty one deer have been killed in vehicle collisions in 2017, mostly along the Interstate 229 and Rice Street corridors.
Police believe the the program is working because the number of deer/vehicle collisions is lower than in past years. Also, the total number of deer observed in the three-square-mile Rice Street area has seen a decline.
An archery program in the Rice Street area assists in removing deer, but the number of deer harvested by hunters has not been able to keep up with deer population growth.
Authorities say public safety is a priority when removing the deer. The deer will be harvested by Sioux Falls Police and Animal Control officers who have completed additional training specific to deer removal.
All meat from harvested deer will be donated to area food banks. Through the assistance of Sportsmen Against Hunger, more than 1,500 lbs. of deer meat were donated to local food banks in 2017.
The operation will be completed by February 28, 2018.
(Nick Hill, KELO.com News, contributed this report.)