Urban deer management in Missoula under discussion amid disease concerns

MISSOULA, Mont. – Missoula is currently without a management plan for its urban deer population, but recent cases of chronic wasting disease in nearby communities have sparked discussions.

City Council Member Mike Nugent expressed concerns about the potential impact of the disease on Missoula's deer population. He emphasized the need for expert input before any decisions are made. "There's only one way to lower the population and is that something that this community wants us to do. I don't know. I think that once we hear more, once we learn more from experts and they present us with potential solutions if we need them... Then we are going to have a community conversation around is this what we need to do," Nugent said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks submitted 9,066 samples for chronic wasting disease during the 2024-2025 hunting season, the largest number collected in the state in a single year. Of these, 335 samples tested positive, including 202 white-tailed deer, 127 mule deer, and six elk.

Vivaca Crowser, Information & Education Program Manager at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, highlighted the importance of hunters submitting samples. "What we're always looking for is everyone's help to submit samples. If you are a hunter and you harvest an animal we're talking about deer, elk, and moose in the case of CWD. Then, submitting that sample almost everywhere is voluntary, we have a few exceptions where it's required but those voluntary samples are so important," Crowser said.

Crowser emphasized that submitting samples is a proactive measure. While Missoula has not reported any positive cases, the concern remains high due to cases across the state.

The community's involvement and expert guidance will be crucial as Missoula considers its approach to managing the urban deer population.