Want free venison?

The City of Sundance would like to hear from members of the community who are interested in receiving free venison from this year's deer cull.

The city commissions works to cut deer numbers almost every year, through a permit from Wyoming Game and Fish, and has traditionally donated the meat from the harvested animals to local residents.

This year, through another contract with Nick Kaminski of Grainland Trapping, the city hopes to increase the number of animals taken from 25 to 40, which means there is likely to be even more meat available than usual.

"Preference has always gone to single mothers, followed by senior citizens," said Mayor Paul Brooks.

However, he said, there is generally enough meat left over for residents who don't fall into one of these categories – and it's even more likely that will be the case this year. The city would like to gather as many names as possible for the list, and encourages citizens to contact city hall.

Increased Cull

Kaminski visited the council last week to enquire as to whether his assistance will be needed again this year, after a successful first run in 2021 that saw him take the full 25 deer allotted by the permit.

In discussing the appropriate number for the cull, Brooks commented that, "Personally, I would take about 40 this year."

Brooks said he would like to see numbers go down on the basis that citizens have reported deer harassing dogs, damage to trees and other negative impacts from the deer coming into town. Perhaps, he said, taking some of the younger deer might push the older population back into the trees.

At the request of Kaminski, the city will increase its payment this year from $40 to $50 per head. Kaminski made the request because, he said, "Everything went up this year – bullets, gas, everything."

During Tuesday's meeting, a resolution was passed to approve the resolution to seek a permit for this year's cull, and the council also moved to approve the contract with Grainland Trapping.