Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 17:27:32 -0500
From: Al Cooke
Subject: The deer question
The deer question:
Let me say up front that I do not have the answer to the various problems involved in human encounters with deer. But management of the deer herd in Chatham County and the entire state of North Carolina is the province of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC).
http://www.ncwildlife.org/
According to one of their web pages, “Since its inception in 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) has been dedicated to the wise-use, conservation, and management of the state’s fish and wildlife resources. Our policies and programs are based on scientifically sound resource management, assessment and monitoring, applied research, and public input.” While there is little there to suggest any responsibility or privilege to protect humans and human property from wildlife, there are some legal provisions for you to protect your property.
It is not legal, however, for us to just sit on the porch and harvest deer at will as some have suggested. Regardless of noble intentions, hunting is regulated. There are established hunting and trapping seasons and requirements for licenses. Incidentally for the writer who found a deer stand on his/her property, WRC regulations embody a prohibition of hunting on private property in Chatham County without written permission of the owner. Violations can be reported at 1-800-662-7137, (Raleigh Area 919-707-0040). Also note that it is illegal to interfere with legal hunting activities. Do not attempt law enforcement.
As expressed well by Aaron Honeycutt, hunting regulations are established by the WRC. They are also annually reviewed and adjusted. And in fact, the review process usually involves public hearings. Next year’s hearings may be a better place for suggestions and advice than the Chatlist. I enjoy the reading. But unless it gets to the appropriate ears, it may be just letting off steam. The proposed changes for the 2009-2010 seasons were posted at
http://www.ncwildlife.org/news_stories/pg00_NewsRelease/2009_10_public_hearing_booklet.pdf
You can get a feel for how they are approaching the deer issues starting on p. 12.
My suggestion is that if you want to change things, the WRC is the agency that needs to hear more than opinion. They also need well substantiated facts.
For instance, I hear that the local herd is decimating the native flora. While not denying that claim, I have to say that I have not observed that level of damage. But I haven’t been everywhere. Take pictures. And don’t bring them to me; I don’t make the rules. Take them to WRC. Are deer actually starving or suffering malnutrition? Can it be documented? BTW, I think it has long been established that deer in NC are smaller than those in other parts of the US. I think it’s a quality of forage issue, which may explain why they prefer your well tended gardens. Even humans in grocery stores can identify the “good stuff.”
Can you document the cost to you in fencing or lost crops? What is the cost to the nursery business in lost sales? What cost to human health can be documented? What is the cost of automobile repair and human injury? What is the benefit to the auto repair industry? What is the cost or benefit to the insurance industry – or those who pay insurance premiums?
You can take these facts and your concerns to the 19 members of the Commission.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_commission.htm
And remember that they are primarily focused on “conservation and management of the state’s fish and wildlife resources.” They may well be interested in documentation of herd health or impact on native flora. Some of the questions we have raised are not their concern. It may even require going “over their head” at the state level. That would be the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or those elected representatives who appoint members of the Commission.
Good luck.
alcooke
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
PO Box 279, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246