Expressing confidence in the city's work thus far, state Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioners this morning easily approved Helena's increased request to kill 200 deer in town this winter.

The commission also unanimously approved the city's overall deer plan for the next decade, meaning Helena officials will only need to report results and request quotas each year without completing annual environmental assessments.

Police Chief Troy McGee said his officers will begin the work early next week. They have until March 31 to bag their limit, using baited traps and a bolt gun. All of the venison harvested in the effort will be given to Helena Food Share.

Commissioner Bob Ream of Helena said he's been impressed so far with the city's work. He said friends had allowed police on their land last year to trap deer, and they experienced no disturbances while the police killed 17 deer on the property.

"I really wanted to commend the city and the police department for doing a good job," Ream said. "I think it's a good start to a needed program."

Read more of this story in Friday's Independent Record.

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• City’s deer herd at 520, census says
• City conducting second census of deer living in city limits
• FWP taking comments on deer culling plan
• FWP commission approves more deer culling in Helena
• FWP approves taking of 150 more deer in Helena
• City to seek permission to kill 150 more deer