“It has made a difference in the number of calls we get,” Lerum said. “We have a reduction in the number of complaints.”

While there is still some citizen opposition to the program, those calls have dropped off considerably, he said.

“We try to be sensitive to the public. ... It’s too bad it has to be done, but it has to be done.”

The traps cost about $1,000 apiece in 2008 and 2009. Given time and labor costs, Lerum estimated that it costs about $160 per deer for the city of Helena.

Volunteers from the police department are paid to do the work on their off-hours, he said.

Councilor Marilyn Marler recommended that the council get a deer population estimate and get estimates for what a similar deer program would cost in Missoula.

Councilor Cynthia Wolken asked Missoula Police Chief Mark Muir to help collect statistics related to deer calls, the kind Helena used to get its program started.

Councilor Jon Wilkins said he wanted the council to explore the issue more before scheduling a public hearing on the matter. And he urged the council to move quickly.

“I know we have a deer problem,” he said. “I get a lot of calls about it.”