The Salem City Council took no action Monday night to reduce the number of deer on the northwest side of the city.
City Manager Rex Barbee made the recommendation after noting the $5,000 a week cost of bringing in hunters from the USDA as well as the additional cost of preparing the meat for food pantries.
“If we did that then we would probably have to do several week’s worth and they would only do it every other week so it doesn’t seem to be cost-effective to do it that way with the availability we have within the city limits. And with all the outpouring of those who object to the idea and the limited space we have, I would recommend no action be taken at this time.”
The issue had surfaced at the last city council meeting after several residents had complained about deer coming up on their back porches and eating some of their bushes and flowers.
