Havre urban deer hunting starts today

Staff and wire report

Havre’s urban deer hunting, set as part of its urban deer management plan approved by the state, starts today, and runs through Feb. 15.

The hunting areas have been approved and are online at the city website, https://www.ci.havre.mt.us .

The plan was developed by the city and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks after several years of discussion on how to deal with the growing population of deer living inside the city.

The urban deer hunt is an archery-hunting opportunity antlerless mule deer within designated authorized areas within the city limits and surrounding area.

The purpose of the program is to provide for a healthy, wild deer population for the people of Havre and to reduce the negative impacts to people and property caused by the deer that are in and near Havre, a release from the city said.

The specific designated areas identified by the city have large, open space that is safe for archery hunting and have a greater likelihood of a successful harvest.

Only archery equipment that is defined by FWP hunting regulations is allowed, which includes both compound and traditional bows. Crossbows are not allowed and a bow stamp is not required for this hunt.

Up to two antlerless mule deer licenses can be purchased through FWP, online or at any license provider. These license will be available today. Any unused 2022 600-01 and 690-00 antlerless mule deer licenses may also be used.

People interested in participating in the program must first obtain written daily permission at the Havre Police Department and receive a copy of the maps and program rules. Additional permission is required from the individual landowners approved for participation in the hunt. The property owners’ contact information is included on the hunting maps. For more information, people can refer to the maps and regulations online at https://www.ci.havre.mt.us .

Harvested deer must be field dressed outside of the city limits and the edge of town. The viscera must be disposed of properly at the landfill or other suitable location. Hunters interested in getting their deer tested for chronic wasting disease need to contact FWP biologist Scott Hemmer at 406-808-7274.

Hunters harvesting any deer will need to notify the Havre Police Department at 406-265-4361 for monitoring the program’s success.

The full regulations also are on the city website at https://www.ci.havre.mt.us .