Deer Management

Seeing wildlife in the neighborhood is exciting and the city promotes enhancement of habitat for wildlife. But without natural predators, deer populations have increased tremendously in some Maplewood neighborhoods. The goal for Ramsey County is a maximum of 15 to 20 deer per square mile of habitat. Some areas in Maplewood far exceed this threshold. 

Overpopulation of deer can negatively impact the health of a deer herd, public safety (via deer-vehicle collision), landscaping, vegetation and increases the presence of invasive plant species. The portion of Maplewood south of I-94 has been removed from the Minnesota DNR Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zone. Deer feeding and attractants continue to be banned by City ordinance. All bird feeders/ wildlife food stations must be at least 6 feet high to prevent deer from feeding. 

Maplewood’s deer management strategy focuses on 4 activities:

  • Monitoring: The city contracts Ramsey County to conduct an annual aerial survey of deer in Maplewood. This snapshot in time, gives us an estimate of the deer population from year to year.
  • Ordinance: Maplewood ordinance prohibits feeding deer. In addition to putting out corn and other fodder, this includes putting out salt licks, attractants and bird or wildlife feeders that are not at least 6 feet high. 
  • Bowhunting: Maplewood and Ramsey County partner with Metro Bowhunters Resource Base (MBRB) for removal of deer on selected sites in the city. Hunters in this program are members of MBRB and must pass a proficiency test to participate. Hunters interested in participating should contact MBRB. The hunts are typically conducted in the fall. This program helps us manage the population but in some areas of the city it will not be adequate to achieve our population goals.
  • Sharpshooting: When deer populations are extremely high and if funding is available, the city may contract sharpshooters to remove deer. 

Saint Paul, Maplewood and Ramsey County are partnering for deer management south of I-94 this winter, pursuant to the 2023-2024 Ramsey County Deer Management Program. In this area, the current deer population exceeds the amount of sustainable deer habitat, which may result in an unhealthy, stressed herd. Overpopulation of deer also results in damage to ornamental and garden plants, high rates of deer/vehicle collisions, and damage/ excessive browsing to native trees, shrubs and plants and spread of invasive species. During January-April of 2024, deer management activities will be accomplished in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wildlife Services division. All deer removed in this program will be donated to underserved residents of Ramsey County in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  


Documents & Links

Contact information: Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, 651-249-2416