Great Falls Mayor Asks For Feedback On Deer Management Plan

Over the weekend, Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves posted on Facebook soliciting feedback regarding a deer management plan for Great Falls.

Input Requested:
I’ve been asked by several community residents to start an Urban Deer Management Plan in GF. The purpose of the program is to manage deer population in the city limits to reduce conflicts with humans and pets, and decrease deer traffic collisions. Deer harvested are then donated to our local Rescue Mission. Thoughts?

Overall, the feedback from Great Falls residents appeared to support a Deer Management plan for the city.

Deer Management In Montana

Similar plans are in place in other Montana towns.
Helena, for example, kicked off their program this last winter.

Deer Hunting In Great Falls City Limits

Growing up as a hunter, I have a deep respect for wildlife management.

Without management, animals are more prone to disease and can quickly overrun resources in a given area.

Read Next: It’s Time to Thin the Herd: Ground Squirrels in Great Falls

There's no doubt in my mind that the deer population in Great Falls has ballooned over the last few years.

Not terribly long ago, I scribbled up this article outlining my constant frustration with the deer in our neighborhood.

Read Next: How To Keep Deer From Eating Your Plants In Montana

I get that deer populations are going to be a thing, especially here in Montana, but at what point are the city populations out of control?

Here's what others are saying on Mayor Reeves Post.

9 Ways To Avoid Hitting A Deer In Montana

State Farm Insurance came out with a list of states with the worst odds of hitting an animal, and Montana came in 2nd. There is a 1 in 44 chance, you will hit an animal while living and driving in Montana. The most common months for this to happen are October, November, and December. If you are traveling through the surrounding states, your odds of hitting a deer don't really get any better. North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho are all considered "high risk" or "medium risk" for the odds of hitting an animal.

Here are State Farm Insurance's 9 ways to help avoid hitting a deer.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul

Ranking 50 United States by Deer Population

The United States of America is home to one of the world's most impressive, and varied, deer herds. Using data gathered from each state by A-Z-Animals.com, let's count down to the state with the largest population of deer.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Montana: Where Deer, Antelope & Aliens Play

According to a recent study and reports to the UFO hotline, Montana ranks in the top percentile for reports per population. But where does it rank overall?

Gallery Credit: JD Knite

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