Deer Management




Management Activities Planned for South Maplewood

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 is included in the Minnesota DNR Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zone. Infected deer were confirmed nearby. Because this disease is so contagious and deadly, deer feeding and attractants are banned in these Twin Cities Metro Area counties: Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Hennepin and Chisago. All bird feeders/ wildlife food stations must be at least 6 feet high to prevent deer from feeding. A map of Minnesota deer feeding ban areas can be found at the link below.

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. 

Documents & Links

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