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Commission splits 3–2 to appoint Annette Smith to Urban Wildlife Task Force after heated deer-culling debate
Summary
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission voted 3–2 to appoint Annette Smith to the Urban Wildlife Management Task Force after commissioners clashed over Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ (FWP) recommendations and whether a member who opposes culling could serve effectively.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission voted 3–2 to appoint Annette Smith to the Urban Wildlife Management Task Force after a contested discussion about local deer-management strategies.
The debate centered on whether a task‑force member who opposes culling could fulfill the role. Commissioner Beaudette questioned Smith’s suitability, saying she had “been opposed to everything that the FWP has referenced” in task force minutes and arguing that the county already has “twice the number [of deer] that FWP has found to be sustainable per square mile.” Beaudette said some deer are “getting more and more dangerous” and expressed support for culling if warranted.
Another commissioner disputed Beaudette’s characterization of Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ position. That commissioner said they believed the FWP biologist had described alternatives to culling and had emphasized the need for accurate counts after winter mortality events; they called Beaudette’s summary a “mischaracterization” of FWP’s recommendations.
After back-and-forth among commissioners about attendance, prior minutes, and how FWP had described winter losses and potential management steps, the motion to appoint Annette Smith carried 3–2. The meeting record shows two commissioners opposed; one commissioner said they and Commissioner Beaudette voted against the appointment.
The commission’s discussion noted constraints on removal and relocation options cited by FWP and referenced local concerns about animal injuries and public safety. The transcript records differing views about whether culling would be necessary and whether task‑force membership should include people who oppose certain management tools.
The commission did not adopt new wildlife-management policy at the meeting; it appointed a member to the task force and left substantive management decisions to future task‑force work and any recommendations from FWP or staff.
The commission’s next procedural step for wildlife issues was not specified during the meeting; members indicated the task force would report back on its timeline and recommendations.
