Deer Threaten Open Space

To the Editor:

The problems caused by the bulging deer population are far more complex than the increase in Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses. The current herd size is adversely impacting the very thing many of those who expressed concern on these pages last week were mistakenly attempting to protect, open space. Our forest, open spaces, and even our backyards are being grazed beyond their ability to support many of the other animals that share our environment. The understory in our forest is gone; with it went the protection rabbits need from raptors and coyotes. The song birds have less cover and fewer berries to support their numbers.

When I moved here over 30 years ago the Paugussett held numerous grouse and woodcock. I walk that forest daily with a bird dog and have seen neither bird in 15 years. The state DEP personnel say the lack of understory caused by an excess deer population is the cause. They are so convinced that habitat is unable to support ground nesting birds that they stopped stocking pheasant there or anywhere in our county three years ago!

The argument that hunting in open space will reduce property values is unsubstantiated. I would argue having open space abutting your property adds value in that such land can not be built on, not because it is a sanctuary for wild life. The abutting owners get the use of the land without having to pay a penny in taxes on it as well.

Feeding deer is never a good idea unless you are prepared to provide the ten plus pounds of browse each animal will require daily. It takes hundreds of acres to support a small group of deer. If you have that much land, then great, feed them; if not I wonder how happy with you your neighbors are now that they know you’re the reason the deer are consuming their landscaping as they passed through on their way to your place.

Hunting is prohibited in Huntington State Park as it is in all state park except when the DEP professionals deem it necessary to keep the herd healthy.

The laws against harassing hunters were enacted because zealots from groups like PETA were interfering with hunters in the field.

For the record I am a hunter but I do not hunt furry critters. I prefer upland game over a pointing dog, a pursuit confined to property my club leases from farmers in Litchfield County.

Sincerely,

Lou Reda

17 Tamarack Road, Newtown                               December 10, 2008