By Will Collette
On October 31st, the US Fish and Wildlife Service folks here in Charlestown put out a news release announcing upcoming plans to curb the over-population of white tail deer at Ninigret and on Block Island by allowing more deer hunting on these public lands.
Yes, I know it sounds weird for there to be hunting in a wildlife refuge, and the feds anticipated that dismay with this statement:
"Some people are surprised to learn that hunting is allowed on a National Wildlife Refuge, but these lands have been established not only to preserve wild places, but also to promote wildlife dependant recreation when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established."
Plus, they say, there are too many deer and that contributes to the spread of Lyme Disease, vehicle accidents and deer trashing gardens and shrubbery. It's all in their draft environmental assessment.
We've got five wooded acres right in the same area and I haven't noticed an abundance of deer - the population actually seems less to me, but maybe they like Ninigret's shrubbery better.
Like every other issue in this town, I'm sure there are intensely held opinions across the spectrum. Personally, I like the deer and feel we should do a better job of adapting to them. However, I humbly confess to enjoying the taste of venison.
I know that some residents view them as vermin-infested super-sized rats. Others just like to shoot things.
People in this town go nuts over things they consider hazardous - such as wind turbines, which have never killed anybody. I just wonder if they'll go as ballistic at the idea of more guys with guns popping off at anything that moves in our woods. There are a lot of people who like to walk those trails in the wildlife refuge, including little kids, so before we unleash the gunners, let's carefully consider the risks versus the benefits.
The Fish and Wildlife Service will take public comments through December 7. They will hold a public meeting on the subject at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, November 10 from 6 to 8 PM.