IM again turns to archery hunt to cull city deer herd
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Permits will again be offered to archery hunters as Iron Mountain tries to match or even exceed last year's record harvest of 112 deer from within city limits.
The size of the herd remains troublesome, City Manager Jordan Stanchina acknowledged. There will be no changes in the rules for this year's hunt.
"Hopefully, we have the same people involved this year," Stanchina said, adding, "we use every piece of land that we can."
During last year's hunt, 106 antlerless deer and six bucks were culled during a season that ran on designated parcels from Oct. 1 through Jan. 1. Previously, the 82 deer harvested in the 2024 season had been the most dating back to 2012.
Hunters are permitted to harvest a buck using their own tag after three antlerless deer are taken on city permits. Under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources program, the city contributes $10 per antlerless harvest permit.
New hunters are required to pass a proficiency test. Tags are free and hunters can have as many as they can fill, but just one unfilled tag at a time.
The city council on Monday approved a resolution to authorize the hunt, along with guidelines that can be found at https://www.ironmountainmi.gov/559/Deer-Hunt.
A year ago, the possibility of hiring sharpshooters was raised. At that time, Stanchina said it would be up to the council to decide if the cost of sharpshooters was acceptable, pointing out that a solo project in Iron Mountain might have limited impact if neighboring municipalities aren't involved.
Kingsford has an annual managed archery hunt, with 36 deer harvested last year. Breitung Township has no special program apart from licensed hunting permitted by DNR regulations.
In other action, the city council:
-- Learned that a team is being assembled to perform the first round of City Park deer tuberculosis tests in preparation for their transfer to the DeYoung Family Zoo in Menominee County. Two TB tests will be required, conducted four months apart. Ingalls veterinarian Dr. Barry Wehner will oversee the tranquilization and testing of the deer.
-- Noted the Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss options for playground equipment and make a recommendation to the council. The city has set aside about $175,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for a City Park upgrade.
-- During public comment, discussed with Iron Mountain High School softball coach Tom Golfis some improvements he'd like to help accomplish at Northside Field -- chiefly, better lights and dugouts. The city owns the property but leaves field maintenance to users, assisting where it can. Vandalism has been an issue and options for security cameras were brought up as well. Golfis noted four new picnic tables at the field were provided through IMHS softball and the Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency.
-- Gave permission to Kingsford High School to use City Park, as in the past, for a cross country meet. The meet is scheduled from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
-- Approved a request from Dickinson Trail Network to place a storage shed measuring 200 square feet on city property at the top of Pewabic Hill near the existing fire tower and city water tank. The location is adjacent to part of DTN's trail system and will be used for trail maintenance.
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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.