MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The archery portion of Deer Hunt 2024 is still about a month away, but along the Lakeshore, officials in Manitowoc are gearing up for a special hunt within the city limits.
Along a stretch of Reed Avenue in Manitowoc yellow deer crossing signs can be seen. Lieutenant Mark Schroeder with the Manitowoc Police Department says animals are in the area.
“That is a pretty big funnel in the city of Manitowoc. Quite a few deer cross through there. We’ve had a lot of car-deer accidents in that area. But really, it’s undeveloped land, that’s open at this time,” said Lt. Schroeder.
Schroeder says state law allows people to safely hunt on city or private property with permission. On Tuesday afternoon, hunters gathered at the Manitowoc Police Department to get season updates and to sign up.
Glen Michalek says he hunts nearly every year.
“It’s something to do. It’s closer to my home. It’s like five minutes from my house,” said Michalek.
Adam Kopiske says there are plenty of deer in the area.
“As we get into fall, and the rut starts up, they’ll just all of a sudden come darting off, and you figure you’re in the city, and all of a sudden, there’s a deer in front of you,” said Kopiske.
Mary Jackson walks her dogs along Reed Avenue on a regular basis. She says she has a different view.
“I don’t believe we need hunting anymore. Maybe in a couple of years, if the problem grows, but they pretty well cleared it out down there,” said Jackson.
The city archery hunting program started in 2006, and in that time, car-deer crashes outnumber the white-tail harvest nearly two to one.
“The trend every year is pretty consistent. Now, we’re staying around that 30 car-deer accidents a year,” said Schroeder.
Hunters have time to sign up. They are asked to have their forms turned into the police department for approval by September 6.
Comments