People move to wooded neighborhoods chasing peace,
beauty, and the illusion of wilderness just beyond the porch. They name their
streets Deer Run and Fox Hollow, hang bird feeders, and plant
hostas in neat rows. But when the deer come standing near fences, bedding down
in shaded corners, nibbling the roses they call on the city and for removal of
the deer. Not because the animals are dangerous, but because they’re
inconvenient.
Deer don’t
invade neighborhoods. They respond to habitat loss.
They browse what’s available fresh shoots, fruit trees, and landscaping.
They birth fawns in quiet corners because their original habitat has been
developed.
Wildlife management teams often cite “overpopulation,”
“property damage,” and “traffic safety.” But for many, the discomfort stems
from proximity not threat.
“Ask the animals, and they will teach you… Which of all
these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” — Job 12:7–10
The Disease Defense: What Doesn’t Hold Up
One reason cited for Joplin’s urban deer harvest was
“disease in neighborhoods.” It’s important to clarify what that means.
Lyme Disease: Clarifying the Connection
Deer are not infected with Lyme disease and do not
transmit it to ticks. Ticks acquire the Lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia
burgdorferi from small mammals like mice not deer. Deer serves as hosts for adult ticks but
do not infect them. All animals in the forest get ticks. Reducing deer populations does not eliminate
tick presence or Lyme risk.
“Deer do not directly carry or transmit the bacteria
that cause Lyme disease… While crucial for the tick life cycle, deer do not
serve as the source of infection for ticks or humans.” — Biology Insights
Chronic Wasting
Disease (CWD): Testing Required
CWD is a neurological disease caused by prions. It
cannot be diagnosed by sight alone. Symptoms may take months or years to
appear. Lab testing of lymph nodes from deceased deer is required for
confirmation.
“Identifying deer with chronic wasting disease is not
possible by visual observation alone.” — MSU Extension
Field Dressing and
Safety
The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends field dressing deer immediately after harvest. This includes
removing organs and opening the body cavity. If disease prevention is a
concern, additional safety protocols may be warranted.
Joplin’s Ordinance: A Closer Look
In June 2025, Joplin City Council approved Council Bill No. 2025-003, allowing bow hunting of deer on private property of one acre or more,
with landowner permission. The ordinance cites deer/vehicle collisions and
property damage as justification.
“The pressure on the city is not from hunters, but from
residents seeing the number of deer and disease in their neighborhoods.” — Councilman Mark Farnham
While safety and property concerns are valid, some
community members feel the decision overlooks ecological nuance and the role of
habitat loss.
“You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.” — Psalm 36:6
 |
When ornamental plants become a
higher priority than lactating does, first-season bucks, and nursing fawns,
it’s not a wildlife problem it’s a human one. |
Community Perspectives
Wildlife advocates emphasize
coexistence and habitat preservation.
Residents who enjoy deer sightings
express concern about the impact of urban hunting.
Conservationists note that urban
harvests may disrupt herd patterns and increase orphaned fawns.
Others suggest that living near wooded
areas requires a willingness to share space with wildlife.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Proverbs 12:10
Final Thought
Wild animals aren’t misbehaving. They’re adapting to change. And adaptation deserves thoughtful response not removal. Late-season fawns are still nursing, still learning their mother’s patterns. Yet urban harvest ordinances make no distinction they allow removal of all deer, regardless of age, health, or season. The justification often centers on landscaping damage hostas, roses, fruit trees while overlooking the cost of disrupting herd bonds and orphaning young. Plants can be replanted. A fawn’s first winter cannot be redone.
 |
| Late season fawn born first week August you can tell the season from spent naked lady lilies. This fawn will not survive the winter if her mother is harvested. |
Disclaimer for Advocacy
Blog Post
This post reflects
personal observations, emotional responses, and community experiences related
to wildlife presence and urban ordinances in Joplin, Missouri. All data,
patterns, and interpretations are based on long-term documentation and
firsthand research. This content is not intended as legal advice, nor does it
represent official city policy. Readers are encouraged to consult local
government sources for current ordinance language and enforcement details.
Wildlife behavior and community impact may vary by location.
Other articles by author
No Signs, No Safety: What Deer Collisions Reveal About Joplin’s Wildlife Crisis
Urban Deer in Joplin: What’s Really Driving the City Bow Hunting Ordinance
The Myth of High-Pressure Deer Zones in Joplin
Fear Over Facts: Why Joplin’s Deer Ordinance Misrepresents Lyme Disease
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