Time To Evaluate Open Space

Deer Hunting

To the Editor:

Soon the Town of Newtown will be assembling a deer task force that will have the power to decide whether or not to allow the killing of deer (“culling” as it’s sometimes referred to) on open space land. Open space is the land earmarked by the town for recreation and enjoyment. It’s where we walk our dogs, hike with our kids and enjoy the natural beauty that, in part, makes Newtown so special.

When ample hunting opportunities already exist in Newtown in Huntington State park (1,040 acres) and Paugussett State Forest (1,947 acres), why is there a need to expand hunting on open space lands that may put children, companion animals, hikers, horseback riders, and nature lovers at risk? We hear about hunting accidents every day. In the month of November alone I’ve read reports of more than 65 hunting accidents — some of which resulted in the death of children and dogs.

There are two methods of “culling” deer: sharp shooting and the “net and bolt” method. Sharp-shooting is a common practice in most residential areas trying to control deer populations. The deer are shot by a sharpshooter perched in a tree. The “net and bolt” method lures deer through use of corn meal and the deer are then caught in a net and killed with a skull-puncturing device.

Not even the best rifle hunters have a 100 percent kill rate on the first shot, and bowhunting has a 50 percent wounding rate (deer shot but not recovered).

I would rather encounter a deer in our woods and open spaces than an armed hunter dressed in full battle fatigues or, worse, a deer or other animal that has been shot but only wounded, enduring prolonged suffering before the animal collapses and dies.

I realize Lyme disease is a serious concern for many, and I sympathize with anyone who has contracted it. I have it myself. But killing deer is not the solution. There are studies that document hunting deer will not reduce people’s risk of Lyme disease. However, the reporting of these studies and other scientific papers that call into question the killing of deer as a strategy for effectively reducing Lyme disease has largely been ignored by local press and town officials.

Neighboring towns have already begun their deer “culls,” buckling under intense pressure from pro-hunting organizations, such as the Fairfield County Municipal Deer Management Alliance. These pro-hunting organizations are not staffed by ecologists, scientists, biologists, or medical doctors. They obtain their information from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, an agency that collects revenue from hunting licenses. Do you see the conflict of interest here?

Newtown is in a unique position to be a leader not a follower by refusing to yield to pro-hunting group pressures. As a voter, I ask Newtown officials take the time to evaluate all the evidence before making a decision about our open space and also ask that if you are concerned about this issue that you voice your opinion to the Newtown Board of Selectmen. 

Susan Kokoska

9 White Oak Farm, Newtown                                  December 2, 2008