To the editor:
River Vale and other towns in the Pascack Valley are having problems due to an increasing deer population. Legitimate concern for several reasons are:
• Deer carry ticks which can cause disease in pets and humans. • As herds grow larger, deer tend to eat not only residents plants but also can over-browse areas. This can lead to invasive plants spreading and choking out grasses.
• Of course there has been an increase of car accidents.
I hunted for many years but do not support a deer hunt if an alternative solution can be found. The use of guns is too dangerous and bows would have to be in the hands of experts. Modern crossbows in the hands of highly proficient hunters would provide swift dispatch and would be the best method if it were the only solution.
I know there are people and groups who have protested against any hunt. They should bring their protests to the state and ask for an alternative option. Perhaps consideration could be given to another idea.
Using a drone equipped with quick-acting anesthetic and GPS. A deer could be brought down quickly and moved to a receiving area if such could be found. Another possibility is to sterilize the deer. In three to four years the population would be significantly reduced.
No answer will make everyone satisfied and I hope someone has a better idea.
Walter Jones
River Vale
Another Voice for Humane Deer Solution
To the editor:
I am for humane ways of controlling the deer population. [We] need support/laws changed to get a deer sterilization plan approved in Bergen County, New Jersey.
