Urban Wildlife Management Task Force

Minutes ADLC Urban Wildlife Management Task Force Metcalf Senior Citizen Center January 22, 2025 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Kurt Wyant, Commissioner Ed Beaudette, Chad Gochanour, Rick Morse, Chris Marchion, Chief Bill Sather, Chuck Stokke ABSENT George Kortum, Fred Boyer MEMBERS OF THE PRESS James Rosien MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Per Sign in Sheet CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wyant called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. DISCUSSION Discussions started with Chairman Wyant asking the board for a general consensus of how they feel about culling the deer. Kurt Wyant, Chief Bill Sather, and Rick Morse were against culling and would prefer to take other measures first. Ed Beaudette, Chuck Stokke, Chris Marchion, and Chad Gochanour advocated for creating a plan to cull the deer in small amounts. Ed Beaudette and Chuck Stokke discussed their meeting with the specialist that manages the deer population in Helena. They stated that we have twice as many deer per square mile as Helena does. They explained that they have a plan in place that is working to keep the deer population manageable. FWP discussed the need to cull the deer in town while leaving the deer in the West Valley alone. FWP explained that the population of deer in town are accustomed to living in town and are breeding in town. The deer born in town do not know how to survive in the wild; they will never leave. FWP recommended that we cull the deer because they are unhealthy. They also discussed the increasing aggressiveness of the deer; a resident was stomped by a deer in her yard and had to go the hospital. Another resident was attacked on their porch. FWP stated they do not have the 1|Page Urban Wildlife Management Task Force Minutes January 6, 2025 manpower to keep up with all the calls and complaints; our local officers will have to take some of that burden if we do not take action. Domestic animals have also been injured by the deer in town. It was mentioned that since the task force was created, people have received more education, and it seems some of the community has taken measures to help cease the problem. Many people have stopped feeding the deer. The bear issue has also made people more aware of attractants; these attractants also attract deer. Audience members made the point that deer are no longer wild, and we need to treat them as a nuisance. Audience members also stated that the deer they encounter are aggressive. It was recommended that citations be issued to individuals who feed the deer. FWP provided documents outlining those laws; they included leaving garbage out as a violation. Discussion was had between the board and many audience members regarding possibly culling only ill or injured animals. FWP suggested that this would be quite the undertaking to separate the ill or injured deer for culling. Lengthy discussion was had in regard to the humane culling of the deer versus letting them starve to death or get hit by motor vehicles. Culling is more humane. The process of culling was explained as the animals being trapped, they are quickly extinguished with a bolt pistol and if deemed safe they are processed and donated to the local food bank. Many questions arose as to our resources available to handle the processing of culled animals. We would need materials and a budget. FWP stated that the culling season ends February 15th so we would need to get a plan in place for the next culling season. Discussions were had regarding alternative means of removing the deer by relocation; FWP says this is not feasible. It was agreed that the board would present a report to the Commission on February 11, 2025. MISCELLANEOUS Brad Balis from FWP gave an update on the bearproof bins being placed in Washoe Park. He also stated that Anaconda Disposal is on board to continue to service residents that purchase their own bearproof bins. He mentioned that he is working on acquiring grants to get more bins throughout the community. FWP recommended that we manage the ducks in Washoe Park. Feeding the ducks is also an attractant for deer and bears. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MAY 22, 2024, THE DECEMBER 4, 2024 MEETING AND THE JANUARY 6, 2025 MEETING Motion made by Commissioner Beaudette to approve the minutes from May 22, 2024, December 4, 2024, and January 6, 2025 meetings; Seconded by Chuck Stokke. Motion Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM 2|Page Urban Wildlife Management Task Force Minutes January 6, 2025