Cities and towns across the nation face several urban wildlife issues. Deer management is one widespread issue that is difficult and contentious to manage in most locations. The town of Colstrip has taken a proactive approach to deer management, adopting a Deer Management Action Plan (DMAP), approved by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in 2005. The following is an informational update to the DMAP.
Archery Hunting Colstrip’s plan utilizes hunting with archery equipment as the primary control tool. With a steady increase in the mule deer population in the Colstrip area, the Colstrip Deer Management Group recommended to increase the harvest of deer in the Colstrip area to promote and sustain a healthy mule deer population. As a result, FWP plans to authorize the sale of 200 additional Special Anterless Deer B licenses for the Colstrip area. Those should be available beginning August 30, 2007.
The Colstrip special deer management license is for antlerless mule deer and are only valid on property administered by PPL Montana or Western Energy Company in an area that extends 1 to 5 miles surrounding Colstrip. Permission by PPL Montana or Western Energy is required prior to hunting. Hunters must obtain permission for PPL property and Colstrip Parks & Recreation property from PPL Security (406-748-5022 or 748-5023). Hunters will be required to sign-in through the security guard shack off of Willow Street. Permission for Western Energy properties can be obtained through the Western Energy Security (406-748-5100, 748-5190 or 748-5156). Hunters must sign-in at the security guard shack off of Castle Rock Road. The Colstrip special deer management licenses are available on a first-come first-served basis, up to 5 per person. The license can be purchased from any FWP license agent, $10 for residents and $75 for nonresidents. The license is valid during the general archery season from September 1, 2007 – October 14, 2007 and during the general rifle season (with archery equipment only/ hunter orange is required ) from October 21, 2007 – November 25, 2007. Anterless mule deer B licenses and Deer A licenses (valid for either sex) can be used during the special deer management hunt. For specific hunt information contact FWP Region 7 Headquarters at 406-234-0900.
Artificial Feeding Prohibited Individuals who use artificial food designed to feed and/or attract deer often do so with the good intentions, however the result is often detrimental to both deer and humans.
Reasons why it is a bad idea to feed deer
Feeding deer can render them dependent upon artificial food, which is unhealthy for wild deer that have adapted to survive off a diet of native browse. Feeding deer artificially concentrates them, which facilitates the transmission of diseases. Feeding deer artificially concentrates them, which may attract mountain lions. Feeding deer artificially usually concentrates them in areas of human habitation, making it more likely to facilitate deer/ car collisions. Feeding deer alters their natural behavior, making them less wary of people, pets, and vehicles. It is illegal. Pursuit to MCA 87-3-130 it is a misdemeanor criminal violation to feed deer. Feeding deer may increase your legal liability for problems or damage caused by the deer. Public Safety Occasionally wildlife exhibits abnormal behavior. In cases where deer become aggressive and threaten human safety, folks should contact the local FWP Game Warden through the Colstrip Police Dispatch @ 1-406-748-2211.
Property Damage In Montana tradition and state law recognizes the importance of our public wildlife legacy. Minor or occasional property damage caused by wild deer is a byproduct of their presence that most Montanan’s accept. Colstrip’s plan provides that, City deer which are causing severe and persistent damage to gardens and ornamental plants or threatened the safety of pets confined to yards will be dispatched, if feasible, or trapped and relocated if necessary by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks . Refer incidents of sever damage to Colstrip Area Game Warden Bill Dawson, 1-406-784-2678. Information on minimizing property damage caused by deer can be obtained by contacting FWP or visiting the FWP website at www.fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/livingwwildlife/deer.html.
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