FWP to release assessment on urban deer population

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 25, 2008 at 8:03 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 25, 2008 at 8:03 AM MDT

HELENA - Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is expected to issue its final environmental assessment Friday for a plan to cull mule deer in Helena. That clears the way for police officers to trap and kill 50 of the animals in the coming months.

A study conducted in December 2006 projected that Helena could be home to more than 700 deer by now, with an estimated population of 1,800 animals by 2010.

City officials originally asked to kill up to 350 deer in town to reduce the herd's size. But FWP commissioners rejected the plan. They agreed to allow the city to remove 50 does and bucks in a pilot project.

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