Deer Program Working

For many, one of the benefits of living in Wyoming is the proximity to wildlife. But for some residents in Cody, the number of deer in the city limits has created a hazard for vehicles, pets and people.

Police Chief Chuck Baker and his officers have been working for the last two years to reduce the number of deer in town from what Game and Fish determined was too high a number – 300 – to a more manageable 150. That would accomplish their goals of reducing the number of service nuisance calls, calls involving deer and auto collisions, and calls for service to their animal control officer for deer.

Patrol Sergeant Trapp Heydenberk coordinates the deer management program. He says that the eight officers who volunteered for the program have reported that there are fewer deer in town this year – which may mean the program is working.

In the last two years, the Department has reduced the number of town deer from 300 to 190, and Sgt. Heydenberk points out that the deer that remain are healthier than when the department began this project in 2016.