Deer Management

Grand Rapids values our shared ecosystem with all urban wildlife, including deer. We aim for coexistence in a way that balances safety, natural environment and the built environment. Our commitment is to a sustainable city where residents enjoy urban wildlife and can live together.

Click here to visit the State of Michigan's webpage regarding State hunting rules, regulations, and guidelines. You can also click here to visit Kent County's Deer Management Coalition page. The coalition was established in 2024 to conduct a countywide assessment of the deer population and offer management strategies that enhance public safety while maintaining a healthy herd.

This collaborative effort is funded by local townships, cities, villages, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Kent County Road Commission, and Kent County. 

Additionally, the City of Grand Rapids is exploring a deer management pilot program that may begin in the Fall of 2025. This proposed program is in response to nuisance / safety issues due to an increased presence of deer in the area and the need to develop a City Deer Management Plan. You can see previous related presentations here, as well as sign-up for upcoming updates leading into Fall 2025.

Learn more about the Deer Management Coalition

As a reminder, bow hunting on private land within city limits is allowed in the City of Grand Rapids. Please refer to the above State and MDNR guidelines regarding rules and regulations. For safety purposes, we recommend hunting on parcels at least three acres in size and staying at least 150 yards away from adjoining property lines. Visit here for more information: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/rulesregs