Hunters Can Save Tax Dollars and Reduce Vehicle Insurance Claims

By Glen Wunderlich

When residents of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York were losing their gardens and ornamental landscape specimens to a burgeoning deer herd, it was time to act.  As many as 120 deer inhabit the two-square miles of preferred habitat, and subsequently, over-population has posed a real threat to drivers, as well.

Few options exist to control over-population of deer in such small communities across the nation.  Deer could be netted and euthanized, captured and surgically sterilized, shot with a sterilizing dart, or hunted.

The village has opted for an experimental birth control program by partnering with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).   In 2014 and 2015, highly trained staff from HSUS will capture, ear-tag and administer a long-acting form of the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine to approximately 60 female deer living in the village. Treated deer will be monitored for fawns to determine vaccine effectiveness and longevity for two to three years after initial treatment.

Mayor Peter Swiderski of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson said, “Hastings is proud to be part of this effort, and more than 120 residents have volunteered to help in various aspects of this study, underscoring the broad support it enjoys in our community. We believe that, should this approach work in Hastings, we will be creating the only viable alternative to lethal methods currently examined and rejected by literally hundreds of communities nationwide that face a similar problem.”

At least, that was the plan.  Since then, HSUS agents Rick Naugle and Kayla Grams have pursued deer throughout the neighborhoods with little success.  They had tagged and treated just one animal within the first week. Their mission has proved problematic, because they can fire at deer no more than 20 yards away with their air-powered darts, and they are still learning where the animals are.

“It’s a slow process.   But next year, by the time we come back here, we’ll have everything figured out,” Naugle said.  In the meantime, more deer/vehicle collisions will occur.  Oh, and the cost of the experiment is reported to be approximately $30,000 funded by taxpayers and HSUS.

On another front, a similar challenge was being addressed by the town of Indian Hill, Ohio.  Police Chief Chuck Schlie of the Indian Hill Rangers Police Department reported a mere 8 deer/vehicle collisions in year 2013 – down from 44 in 1997.

Schlie said the village’s deer-hunting program, which is more than a decade old, is one reason for the decline.  “It has helped control the herd and has lowered accidents,” he said. Read more

Berkley Experience Trailer Rolls into Michigan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 14, 2014) – The Berkley Experience trailer is poised to set up in Kalamazoo, Mich. Consumers are encouraged to flock to the D&R Sports Center April 17 – 19. Each year the Berkley Experience Trailer continues to bring new and exciting things to consumers. This year is no different, redesigning the entire trailer for a better experience all around. In its 9th consecutive year, the Berkley Experience is on the road giving families the full Berkley experience. Read more

Kahr Firearms Group® Partners with Cabela’s on Custom Offerings

Pomona, NY – One of the trends we are seeing in firearms right now is customization. Kahr Firearms Group has partnered with Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter, and is offering exciting new custom designs for two of their best-selling pistols – the Auto-Ordnance 1911 and the Kahr PM9. The first new custom design is a black and orange Auto Ordnance 1911. It is 100% made in the USA and the pistol features an orange frame and black slide accented with black appointments. Both the frame and slide on the Auto-Ordnance 1911 are machined from high carbon 4140 steel. Read more

Keep Your Plot Clean

One of the most common problems in food plots, especially perennials, is weed competition. Weeds rob your plot of essential nutrients, water, and root space. Given time and opportunity, weeds will quickly mature, produce seed, and overtake a well intended food plot. The use of herbicides is one of the greatest tools a GameKeeper can utilize to keep weeds under control and get the most out of your plantings. Here are a few tips to get the most from your efforts. Read more

RICO Update: HSUS Affiliate May Be Financially Devastated

This update from www.HumaneWatch.org

The Humane Society of the United States and two of its in-house lawyers are being sued under federal anti-racketeering (RICO) laws. The lawsuit, brought by Ringling Bros. owner Feld Entertainment, alleges that a suit brought by animal rights groups over 10 years ago regarding the treatment of circus elephants was malicious and involved illegal witness payments and bribery. Heavy charges. Read more

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