What Will You Do to Control the Exploding Deer Population?

There’s no time like the election season to ask those running for office to provide plans of action on important issues. 

At the top of many residents’ lists is deer control measures. Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community is, after all, the paramount charge of government. Deer cause car accidents that threaten human life. They spread the Lyme tick, which has debilitating effects on most of those who are bitten. Many Greenhaven homeowners are reluctant to let their kids play in their backyards for fear they will get bitten. 

Deer devour homeowner’s landscapes and vegetable gardens. Today, there are more deer than when the Pilgrims arrived.

Having no natural predators around here, has caused an explosion of the deer population. Sadly, many are malnourished while others get hit by cars. There are many orphaned fawns. The humane thing to do is reduce the size of the herd. 

Many communities, including Greenwich and Peconic Land Trust properties, have allowed bow hunters in nature preserves to cull herds.  Peconic fine-tuned its Wildlife Management Program and instituted comprehensive rules and application. Greenwich has embraced a similar effort and it works.

This is a safe and effective program. Sharp-shooting bow hunters set up in elevated blinds, aim down, and fell the deer quickly and quietly. Rarely do they miss. If they do, arrows go into the ground next to deer. They set up pre-dawn when areas are not open to the public or rarely frequented. They are finished in just a few hours. Areas are posted “No Entrance” before 9 a.m. This is a short, multi-day event. 

Culling in the Marshlands/Jay Estate/ Rye Golf Course combined area would be a good place to start. Edith G. Read Sanctuary is another good location. The surrounding private golf club courses might be willing as well.

Again, all the work has been done for us and other communities overpopulated by deer. Simply copy and implement the method that has worked for our neighbors and on Long Island. 

It is time for the Mayor and the Rye City Council to act.