Opposition to USDA APHIS Wildlife Service's Plan to Increase APHIS Mass Killings of Deer in New York by 13,361%
We share the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's view that hunting is "the most effective and equitable tool for managing deer populations across the state" (DEC, Management Plan for White-tailed Deer in New York State 17). Plus, it's a great way to put organic, free-range, and nutritious food on your family's table!
For that reason and more Conserving Tradition opposes the USDA APHIS Wildlife Service's proposal to increase its mass deer killings in New York State 13,361% from its 2009 to 2013 baseline. In addition to it being, as APHIS Wildlife Service's acknowledges, ineffective in managing medium-term deer populations, it is also expensive with the burden often borne in property taxes. Hunters cost nothing and their license fees go to fund wildlife preservation. We do not support federal agents operating at night and using means that are otherwise prohibited by law such as using bait, spotlights, and military-style thermo-imaging and other equipment to supplant the men and women of this state who do the job more effectively for free - and feed their families with the proceeds. You can find APHIS Wildlife Service's proposal here and our comments here. |