Council Votes to Take 50 Deer
Written by Andrew-Rossi on January 17, 2018
In a split decision, the Cody City Council has voted to continue with the program to cull the town deer herd.
Last year the City Council approved a program that culminated in the culling of 51 deer from the herd that lives within the city limits. Last night, after several work sessions and updates from Cody Police Chief Chuck Baker, the matter came to a vote.
Police Sergeant Trapp Heydenberk told Council that the department has secured a Game and Fish permit to cull up to 150 deer in the community, which is good throughout the calendar year. However, there are only two periods of time in which the operations can take place, one of which ends February 15th. The other would be in November.
After a question from a concerned citizen regarding how they determine which deer to take, Heydenberk said that they try to spread the shooting locations around town to maintain a balanced herd.
Members of the Council were divided on the topic, with opponents of the policy pointing out the stability of the herd and what they deemed unnecessary cost to the City, while supporters indicated that the program could cut down on vehicle collisions and danger to domestic animals.
On the vote, four members of the Council voted for the measure, approving the taking of only 50 deer before February 15th, with three voting against.
