City leaders are considering an urban hunt to curb a growing coyote problem in northwest Davenport.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, aldermen will discuss amending a city ordinance to allow coyote hunting within city limits. City staff have recommended the proposal, which would allow for bow hunting of coyotes in conjunction with the city's urban deer hunt. Hunters must first have proper licensing from both the state and city.
City Council members will also consider allowing shotgun hunting of coyotes on non-public property zoned for agricultural use. Land would have to be at least 90 acres, and the landowner would have to first grant permission to hunters.
The proposal comes in light of a growing number of complaints from residents of northwest Davenport.
At homes off Wisconsin Avenue, neighbors said coyotes have attacked deer and horses, and that they're worried about pets and small children.
Denise Hollonbeck said she once found a deer carcass in her yard, stripped to the bone by the animals.
"Of course, it's discomforting since it was near my daughter's swing set, and she was younger at that time, so I didn't allow her to go outside by herself... But just the fact that they were so close to the house, and that they had killed and eaten a deer," said Hollonbeck.
A first vote on the hunting program is expected at Wednesday's meeting. A representative from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to attend that meeting as well.