This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/16/2018 12:00 AMAfter two successful years of the town’s deer management program, the third season got underway on Oct. 15. Through hunting, the program helps to control the deer population in the town-owned East River Preserve in an effort to protect the other natural resources in the area that tend to shrink when the deer population grows too large. The program runs through Thursday, Nov. 15.
Amid some controversy, the program began in 2016, allowing hunting on the East River Preserve for the first time since the town purchased the parcel.
The East River Preserve, a 584-acre property, was purchased for $14.5 million in 2009 from the Goss family. In January 2012, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) approved a management plan put forward by the East River Preserve Planning Committee—a plan that drew some criticism because it included hunting on the property. Town officials said no hunting would be allowed until a safe and practical deer management plan was established and approved.
Over the next several years, the Deer Management Committee, established as a part of the East River Management Plan in 2012, conducted research to establish a deer management plan designed “to ensure that the ecological values and uses of this protected open space are managed to sustain and, where necessary, restore the property’s natural resource values by conserving a diverse and healthy suite of habitats,” according to the East River Preserve Deer Management Committee.
Environmental Planner Kevin Magee said this program is about protecting the environment of the preserve.
“It’s made to restore the vegetation that has been overbrowsed by deer, which affects other animal populations such as small birds and mammals,” he said. “Those animals use that vegetation for nesting and protection.”
This year, the Guilford Conservation Commission selected 10 bow hunters to be a part of the program. All hunters had to pass a proficiency test, attend a safety meeting, and have a permit to participate. Only bow hunting is allowed as a safety precaution and hunters shoot from tree stands to ensure they shoot at an angle toward the ground.
The preserve remains open to the public during the program. Hunters are allowed on the property from 4:30 to 11:30 a.m. and no hunting will take place on the weekend or on days that school is not in session during the month-long window.
According to a press release from the Town of Guilford, “The public using the preserve during this time period should wear safety orange or bright colored clothing. Dog owners are reminded that Guilford Town Ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash when on town property including the open space properties.”
Magee said the program has thus far been a success.
“The past few years it has been a success,” he said. “There have been deer removed and no one has been injured…I don’t have a number of deer I am looking for, so as long as something is being removed it is working.”
Residents with questions about the program can contact Kevin Magee at 203-453-8074. If residents observe any illegal activities or hunting at times not approved by the deer management plan, they should contact the Guilford Police Department at 203-453-8061.