IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Just when it looked like Iron Mountain’s deer were headed for the end of the trail, a state senator is trying to untangle the red tape before anyone pulls the trigger.
Permit confusion.
Michigan News Source reached out to State Senator Ed McBroom on Thursday and he confirmed he’s working behind the scenes to sort out confusion over what kind of permit the city actually holds for its long-running deer pen.
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“There seems to be some confusion that we’re trying to get to the bottom of…what type of permit they have,” McBroom said, noting the difference between an exhibition permit and a game ranch permit could determine whether the deer can legally be moved.
That classification matters a lot. According to McBroom, a change to the classification was made in 2020, and there may have been confusion with the USDA at the time. Now, that paperwork wrinkle could decide whether the herd can head to a sanctuary – or not.
How we got here.
As we reported on Monday, Iron Mountain’s long-running City Park deer herd – 17 animals in all – was headed for euthanasia after the city council voted 5-2 to close the aging pen and end the program “humanely.”
The tipping point came after the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined the enclosure no longer met federal standards. Officials were told roughly $22,000 in upgrades would be required to bring the pen into compliance, along with an estimated $16,000 annually for maintenance, feed and veterinary care.
While a community group offered to help with upfront expenses, city leaders were reluctant to commit to the ongoing costs. With compliance upgrades looming and long-term funding uncertain, the council opted to shut it down – setting off public backlash online and a scramble to find alternatives including transferring the deer to an out-of-town rehabber if the permit allows.
DNR can’t just wave a wand if it’s a law.
While some hoped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) could simply grant an exception as reported earlier in Bridge Michigan, McBroom was clear: if the restriction is written into law and not just an internal rule with the DNR, only the Legislature and governor can change it. And passing new legislation “in short order” for one small Upper Peninsula community? “Pretty unlikely,” he said.
Multiple agencies involved.
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In the meantime, the DNR, Department of Agriculture, local veterinarians and the city are all involved in sorting through the “moving parts,” McBroom said.
A dose of perspective.
McBroom also urged residents to keep things in context. The city has managed the herd for years through controlled culls and donated meat to local food pantries to keep the deer at a sustainable and manageable level. If the city no longer wants to shoulder the cost and responsibility or moves the deer to a different location, he said, it must follow the legal process.
For now, the deer aren’t out of the woods – but they may have bought a little more time while Lansing sorts out the fine print.
