News : Airport Commission hopes hunting/harassing will alleviate deer problem

For all of its 51 years, the Vinton airport has been home to deer, said Tom Boeckmann.

The Vinton Airport Commission member spoke to the council about the deer problem during Thursday’s council meeting.

The first deer-plane incident at the local airport took place June 8, when pilot John Steigelmeyer hit one of three deer that crossed the runway as he landed, causing significant damage to his home-built plane.

Since then, said Boeckmann said, the airport commission members have been consulting with government officials, from the FAA to the DNR, about making the runway more safe.

After the incident, as required by federal regulations, the airport was the subject of an FAA Flight District Standards Office inspection.

“We did very well in that inspection, but one of biggest concerns they have, as we do as the Airport Commission, is the deer,” said Boeckmann.

Federal officials have recommended surrounding airport property with an 8-foot-high fence.

That, said Boeckmann, is not going to happen because of the expense.

“Ideally, the USDA wants an 8-foot fence around airport property. But we can’t afford it And you can’t afford it” Boeckmann told the council. “We are trying to use alternative resources and hunting/harassing seems to be the best plan.”

The next two options the airport commission members are planning to try are harassing the deer to make them stay away from the runway, and thinning the herd through a special hunting program.

“The first week I went out there, I could have almost walked up to the deer and petted them,” Boeckmann said.

The Iowa DNR has issued the Airport Commission 30 deer tags for a shotgun or bow.

Hunters obtaining those tags must follow all Iowa laws regarding deer hunting, except for the restrictions on hours and seasons, said Boeckmann.

Council member Bud Maynard questioned Boeckmann about whether he has spoken to residents of that area about their feelings about having hunters close to their homes.

Boeckmann replied that he planned to speak to those residents, but wanted to speak to the council first.

Boeckmann said he would speak to residents in the airport area and communicate to City Coordinator Andy Lent any concerns those citizens share. He also said the airport commission members would work closely with hunters to make sure the herd-thinning takes place safely and legally. Boeckmann said the commission planned to offer city employees the first opportunity before opening it up to the general public.