Bessemer seeks solution to growing deer population

BESSEMER — Increasing numbers of deer within city limits have led members of the Bessemer City Council to vote unanimously to request a state permit for an archery hunt.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many deer,” said Councilwoman Linda Nelson, who opened the discussion. “I don’t remember it ever being this bad.”

Nelson claimed that, on Monday morning, there were 15 deer crossing the road when she went to work.

The city has an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of deer, but the problem is in enforcing it, said Mayor Adam Zak. Council members agreed that many people feed the deer anyway, and Nelson said that such action can draw as many as 30 deer at a time.

“If they know there’s food, they’re gonna go get it,” said Councilman Charlie Tirpik.

“Every street is littered with deer tracks,” said Councilman Robert Coleman.

“We did get some complaints, and we did issue some letters,” said Zak of the feeding problem.

The mayor explained that City Manager Jennifer Adams, or the council, could request that the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office issue formal citations requiring the payment of fines for people who feed deer.

However, she said she would rather not take that route.

Councilman Terry Kryshak suggested that the city can apply to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to request permission to hold a doe hunt.

Zak agreed, and Nelson added, “I hate to do that to get rid of them, but we need to.”

She emphasized that the current status is “horrendous.”