Eden Prairie’s annual deer management program is underway at multiple sites throughout the City and continues through March.

During this time, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) wildlife professionals work to reduce the City’s deer population, with activity typically beginning at dusk and into the evening when deer are most active.

The deer management program was instituted more than 20 years ago, after a resident task force extensively studied deer overpopulation in Eden Prairie and presented its findings to the City Council. Before the program was implemented, there were nearly 280 deer-versus-vehicle collisions per year in Eden Prairie — a number which has now fallen to less than 30 per year.

The goal of the program is to maintain the white-tailed deer population within the City at 20 to 25 deer per square mile of suitable habitat. This is in accordance with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines, which state that one square mile of good habitat can reasonably support 20 to 25 deer.

Residents with questions about the deer management program can contact Parks and Natural Resources Manager Matt Bourne at 952-949-8535. Safety concerns can be directed to the Police Department at 952-949-6200.

More details about Eden Prairie's deer management program are available at edenprairiemn.gov/Deer.

DNR Deer-Feeding and Attractants Bans

The DNR has banned deer-feeding and attractants across the state to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease.

Deer-feeding includes — placement or distribution of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay and other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer.

Deer attractants are — natural or manufactured products that are capable of attracting or enticing deer, including salt, minerals, and liquid food or bodily fluid scents.

Learn more at dnr.state.mn.us/CWD/FeedBan.