Published on October 04, 2023
HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena’s Animal Control division, which is part of the Helena Police Department (HPD), will be conducting its annual deer population survey starting Wednesday, Oct. 11. The survey will help the City get a better idea how many deer are currently living within City limits. The deer count will be conducted during evening and night hours over two weeks in October.
The count involves the HPD Urban Wildlife Program Coordinator and Officers driving a pre-determined route in the City and shining spotlights to get an accurate count of the deer. The survey will be done in a silver animal control truck that is marked with urban wildlife signs. Counting will be done in commercial and residential neighborhoods and officers will do their best to avoid shining lights into houses and businesses.
After completing the survey, the collected data will be sent to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park biologists who will determine the deer per square miles through an established formula. The urban wildlife program may receive approval from MTFWP to remove deer from within the City to maintain a previously established population density. Once the population is determined, additional information will be provided to the community what the next steps will be.