SUPERIOR — Superior’s archery hunting ordinance could soon match county and state regulations when it comes to tree stands, elevated platforms, ground blinds and trail cameras on city-managed property.
Allowing permanent tree stands and trail cameras on city-owned land garnered a stamp of approval Tuesday, Feb. 8, from the Wisconsin Point Committee. The measure will still go through the city’s urban forest tree board later this month for consideration before it goes to the city council for consideration.
Currently, permanent deer stands on city property, which are prohibited under the ordinance, are not enforced, and changing the ordinance would follow current city practice, said Linda Cadotte, parks, recreation and forestry director.
“I know my son hunts out in the municipal forest, and he sets up his deer stand for the season and takes it down after the season,” Councilor Ruth Ludwig, an alternate on the committee, said.
Tree stands, elevated platforms or ground blinds would still not be allowed on city property from Feb. 1 to March 1 and June 1 to Aug. 31 under the proposed change.
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The ordinance change mirrors county ordinances and the state code, Cadotte said.
“It makes sense to have them all the same,” said committee member Keith Allen.
From a safety standpoint, he said it doesn’t make sense to have deer hunters out before dawn trying to install the tree stand or removing them after sunset.
“Who’s going to climb up there in the dark?” Allen asked. “It’s a safety issue. “
Ludwig said it’s important to have city’s ordinance the same as the county and state to avoid confusion among hunters.
“When I was updating the ordinance, I did notice the state also allows trail cameras,” Cadotte said. “We get the question a lot. It’s not currently in our ordinance that they’re prohibited or allowed. However, when people reach out, they’re typically allowed.”
Under the changes proposed, owners of tree stands, elevated platforms or ground blinds and trail cameras on city property would be required to have their equipment clearly marked with their name and address or Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources customer ID number visible from the ground, Cadotte said. If they aren’t clearly marked, she said the city could confiscate and remove them.
Cadotte said tree stands or trail cameras would only be allowed where hunting is allowed, and trees, vegetation and city property cannot be altered or damaged in the process.
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“We’re not liable for theft or damage,” Cadotte said of the city’s responsibility.
