Kimberley wants access to residents’ properties for deer translocation

Cranbrook, BC, Canada / The Drive FM

Jeff Johnson

January 31, 2018 10:50 am

The City of Kimberley is seeking permission from residents to move forward with its deer translocation project.

Staff are asking property owners if they will allow biologists onto their properties to tranquilize and remove mule deer.

City Councillor Darryl Oakley believes residents will be supportive and appreciate the alternative initiative.

He says many people have approached him and commented they appreciate the animals don’t suffer.

Leading the initiative, Oakley insists mule deer translocate very well and aren’t armed in horse trailers.

However, the Councillor admits residents have every right not to allow biologists onto their property.

Kimberley expects to remove up to 50 ungulates by tranqualizing and trucking them to winter range outside of city limits.

Mayor Don McCormick has said several times Council will no longer pursue lethal deer culls as a management option.

The Province has committed to provide matching funds of up to $25,000 for February’s initiative.

Oakley says staff and experts will target high density areas based off information gathered from complaints from residents and the City’s deer count.

He says it would be a huge help from residents if they were to allow the team into these areas.