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The deer problem destroying property in Portage has gone on long enough. Its time city officials take a stance on this. Every year in the W. Melody area the deer population grows and grows. I sustain hundreds of dollars due to deer damage my my landscape and I spend enough on questionable deer repellants. It is frustrating to the point I have no control other than to secretly shoot them from my house if I really want to control them. This is totally unsafe but I am very frustrated with the City's lack of a plan on deer population control. The time has come to allow proven skilled hunters, through a lottery system, to hunt the deer on city owned lands and lands that private owners allow through approval of the city. The hundreds of thousands of dollars in vehicular damage due to car vs deer accidents likely exceed that of any other area in the county per popula. Mr City Manager, its time to step up, stop talking about how we need to come up with a plan. Its time to make the plan and stick to it.

City Clerk 1 assigned this issue to Office of the City Manager 2

Thank you for your comments regarding the deer population in Portage. The City Administration and the City of Portage Environmental Board continue to study the complicated issue. The city is currently working with the Kalamazoo Nature Center to research the population of deer in Portage and examine methods for reducing the numbers. It is a complex matter that is sure to bring diverse opinions and significant emotion on both sides of the issue. Your comments and your patience are appreciated.
Mary Beth Block
Assistant to the City Manager

They need birthcontrol!!