Letters: Local bow hunters could cull deer
Deer are seen in front of homes in populated residential neighborhoods in Southold. (Dec. 4, 2013) Credit: Randee Daddona
I don't understand the necessity or logic of bringing in federal sharpshooters to cull Long Island deer ["The deer kill is a sad necessity," Editorial, Dec. 12].
New York has more than enough licensed hunters to handle the deer "crisis." If the Department of Environmental Conservation would let archery hunters bait deer, give out more doe tags upon license application, extend the hunting season and reduce the footage from 500 to 150 feet, local hunters could cope with the overpopulation. These are all measures the DEC is considering for sharpshooters.
Also, East Enders need to open up their private land more willingly to bow hunters. They talk about the deer problem, but the reality is when most are asked for permission to hunt on their property, the door is closed.
Town governments could set up registries for bow hunters to connect them to landowners having a deer problem. In addition, sporting goods stores, taxidermists and butchers would get more local revenue, allowing the state to collect more sales taxes.
Fred Eavarone, South Huntington
For years, the folks on the East End have been told this overpopulation of deer would happen, but bringing in sharpshooters won't work. It's been tried before.
As a bow hunter for more than 35 years, I've heard every complaint from the folks on the East End. Deer cause accidents, they eat flowers, they are pests. But ask these folks to give you premission to hunt on their property, and it's "no way."
I say let in the bow hunters, and you'll see results -- and they don't have to pay for our arrows. It's time the East End faced its problem with some common sense.
Jack DiGirolamo, Bellmore
