Why Study The Obvious?

To the Editor:

I find it hard to believe that Newtown’s government would even consider spending many thousands of dollars to determine if there is an overpopulation of deer in this town and even more thousands of dollars to cull the overpopulated herds.

Anyone who travels around this town can see for themselves that we are overpopulated with deer. Just look at the deer crossing our roads, dead deer along the roadside, the deer feeding along the roadside and in the open fields of Fairfield Hills and other open spaces, the deer crossing through our yards, eating our shrubbery. Many of these deer sightings are in broad daylight. Deer generally are nocturnal and are usually only seen in early morning or late evening traveling from feeding areas to water and bedding areas. Because of the competition for food they are now forced to forage during daylight hours when they would normally be bedded down.

Overpopulation of deer? You bet there is! And with that overpopulation comes the inevitable increase in Lyme disease.

As for spending many thousands of dollars to cull the herds, why? We have at least three hunting clubs in this town that I know of and maybe some of which I am not aware. The membership of the club to which I belong has 475 members, most of whom would be more than happy to take part in controlled hunts for nothing more than the cost of the state’s hunting license fee, which they would pay! It would cost the town nothing. And, I am sure the members of the other clubs in town would also be more than willing to participate.

And, before anyone brings up the safety issue of such a hunt, remember I said a controlled hunt. Also, see this from the Connecticut Coalition to Eradicate Lyme Disease:

“Connecticut enjoys one of the best safety records among the states. In a 24 year period, Connecticut has had an average of four accidents (all reported injuries while hunting) per year. The last several years there were one or two accidents reported. This is among some 60,000 firearms hunters and 13,000 archery hunters, who spend a conservative estimate of 789,000+ days afield each year during the various seasons.”

I therefore strongly suggest that Newtown’s officials revisit this question with a view toward solving the problem in the most economical fashion by contacting the various hunting clubs and the Department of Environmental Conservation to work out the details of holding safe, controlled hunts at no cost to the taxpayers.

Respectfully,

Richard M. Giannettino

18 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                         August 11, 2009