WASAW — In past years, the city was designated by the Department of Natural Resources as an Urban Reduction Zone, allowing an extended season for bow and arrow hunting of deer in the city limits. That status was not issued this year.

Warsaw Common Council members unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday evening, Sept. 8, determining the existence of deer nuisance areas within the city limits and setting the dates when DTF archers can hunt whitetail deer in the city. Those dates are Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, the standard dates for archery season.

Jeff Grose, who has spearheaded the deer reduction program, presented the ordinance, noting the city has invited over 30 veteran archers to participate. He stated there are two to four public zones which will be managed by the police department and nuisance zone management team. Those 20-30 private property areas will be managed by the property owners. While any of the approved DTF archers will be allowed to hunt in the public zones, the property owners will assign archers and what times hunting is allowed.

“There is no change form last year (in regards to zones),” said Grose. “It is status quo. We have tried to be restrictive and conservative, careful with visibility and safety is a high priority.” This is the ninth year for the deer nuisance zones.

It was noted the city was among the first in the state to start such a program. The program has become a model for other cities throughout the state.

Zone locations are KCH and Springhill; Country Club, East Central Zone, North East Zone, North West Zone, Old Madison and Boggs Zone, Hire Park Zone and Rozella and Logan Zone.

Maps of the zone area can be found in the lobby area of the Warsaw Police Department.