Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission adopts task-force deer plan after heated public debate

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission voted 3-2 to adopt the Urban Wildlife Task Force's deer management plan after extended discussion and public comment.

The plan, developed over roughly 18 months by a nine-member task force, emphasizes education, monitoring and enforcement of existing feeding restrictions while keeping lethal control (culling) as a potential last resort. Supporters told the commission the document is a workable, evolving framework that will allow the task force to collect data and revise the plan as conditions change.

"The things that I do like about this plan is number one, it says educate the community," said a commissioner who supported the measure, arguing the plan creates reporting, documentation and enforcement pathways and that law enforcement intends to enforce feeding laws based on complaints.

Opponents, including at least one commissioner and several speakers during public comment, said the task-force plan leaves the community exposed. "What is presented to us right now is nothing more than a status quo," said Commissioner Bodette, arguing the plan "ignores the testimony" from Fish, Wildlife and Parks and from residents who reported property damage, injuries and safety threats. "I would wholeheartedly recommend that we ignore this," Bodette said, urging adoption instead of an alternative plan that includes an explicit culling program.

Residents who spoke at the meeting described conflicting experiences. "I've seen them attack dogs, chase after humans," said Chris Yellowtail, a former law enforcement officer who urged more aggressive removal. Others urged humane measures and more emphasis on education; Annette Smith, who gave her address for the record, said killing should be "the last resort" and warned of animal welfare harms.

Speakers and task-force members cited recent local deer counts and estimates in the transcript that range from roughly 150 to 180 deer within city limits and noted the commission faces limits on immediate action. Several presenters and Fish, Wildlife and Parks representatives explained that any culling program would need an approved culling plan and FWP signoff and that seasonal windows and testing requirements (including chronic wasting disease concerns) constrain when and how culling can occur.

Commission debate focused on whether to accept the task force's document as a starting plan and continue work or to reject it and push for a plan with immediate, quantified culling options. Supporters said adopting the current plan keeps the task force in place and allows staff and commissioners to incorporate additional elements; opponents said the document removed the "end game" solutions the community needs.

After the public comment period and internal discussion, the commission approved the task-force plan by a 3-2 roll call. The motion included direction for the task force to continue work and consider amendments based on the meeting's feedback. The adopted plan will next be incorporated into the county's formal ordinance process and, where needed, submitted to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for approval of any culling protocols.

The commission's action followed an intense public-comment section in which residents recounted property damage, vehicle strikes, animal health concerns and differing opinions about acceptable remedies. The plan's backers said education and enforcement, coupled with monitoring and a living document approach, would reduce harm without immediate, large-scale lethal measures.

The commission recorded a 3-2 vote to adopt the plan and directed the task force to bring amendments and additional details back to the commission for future consideration.