Cherry Hill, NJ Deer Cull

Here's what happens when you allow animal rights activists to hold any sway. "Lets build a fence and see if that reduces the herd". Right, when they all die from CWD you idiot.

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060330/NEWS01/603300389/1006

Cherry Hill deer hunt plan raises hackles


JOHN ZIOMEK/Courier-Post


Tread carefully on deer hunt
Cherry Hill Council may OK deer hunt
KEY POINTS
Arguments in favor of a limited hunt:

The township's deer population is growing exponentially because of
readily available food, water and shelter in the area around Springdale Road.

There are no natural deer predators in the township to control the population.

A large herd can lead to an
increase in deer-related motor vehicle accidents, property damage and Lyme disease, which is spread by infected
ticks carried by animals such as deer.

Arguments against a limited hunt:

Cherry Hill is too densely populated for a deer hunt, no matter how limited it is. There's too great a risk someone will get shot or a wounded deer will run into a house or business.

The presence of hunters will provoke the deer and send them darting into nearby roads, increasing the chance of motor vehicle accidents.

No one knows with any certainty how many deer there are and if a hunt would exterminate the township's deer population.

The deer are a treasure for the township and should not be harmed.



Thursday, March 30, 2006

By LISA GRZYBOSKI
Courier-Post Staff

CHERRY HILL
Springdale Farms doesn't blame last year's dreadful growing season on the weather, insects, poor soil or bad seeds.

Instead, a four-letter word says it all.

Deer.

The township's only remaining farm lost all of its squash, pumpkin and green bean crops last year and 40 percent of almost everything else, said John Ebert, who owns the farm with his sister MaryAnn Jarvis and her husband, Tom.

Another season like that and Springdale Farms, which Cherry Hill residents call an institution, will be seriously hurt financially, Ebert said.

The farm wants to erect an eight-foot deer fence around the 60 acres it owns along Springdale Road and has applied to the township for a permit, which it expects to get.

More controversial, however, is the 40 acres of township-owned land across the street that Springdale Farms leases annually to grow seven different crops.

The township wants to help the 57-year-old farm, but instead of a fence, it's focusing on applying to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife for a permit that will allow a limited hunt on the farm and the roughly 80 acres of woodlands it owns next to the farm. The township is worried the herd -- estimated at 700 to 1,200 deer -- will lead to an outbreak of Lyme disease, residential property damage and deer-related motor vehicle accidents, of which there were 19 in 2005.

Township council on Monday introduced an ordinance to allow such hunts to control the deer population. A public hearing and final vote will be held April 10.

"I have two problems with a fence," said Mayor Bernie Platt. "First, there's a liability issue . . . If the deer can't get over the fence when they're crossing the road and someone hits the deer and is seriously injured or killed, the township could be held liable. Also, a fence only moves the herd to another area of Cherry Hill."

"As much as I don't like it, we have to cull the herd," the mayor said.

The proposal has met resistance from some township residents.

"To start with such a radical approach as a hunt doesn't make sense," said Linda Lincoln, who can see Springdale Farms from her Winding Drive home. "Why not put the fence up and see if that doesn't thin the herd?"

Deer-crossing signs can also be erected and products such as deer spray and fences distributed to affected homeowners, she said.

"It's appalling that the township is considering a hunt right in the heart of major roads and neighborhoods," said Stuart Chaifetz, an animal rights activist who created a group called Cherry Hill Animal Management Program to oppose the proposed hunt. "As soon as you start shooting deer they're going to run. What if they run into someone's house? They haven't thought this out."

The township wants to have the hunt before June, when crops begin to grow. Up to 10 retired Cherry Hill police officers would be permitted to hunt at a time, Platt said. They'd use buckshot, which only travels about 150 feet, and shoot from hunting stands whenever possible so their guns are directed downward. They wouldn't be allowed to hunt within 450 feet of any house, building or street and they'd provide their own ammunition, guns and equipment, Platt said.

Councilman Frank Falcone said if the ordinance passes, council will spend considerable time instituting public safety guidelines and educating the public. He noted the fence and other nonlethal options are still under serious council consideration.

"I believe a safe shoot is possible," said Marietta Borinski, who says her Wexford East property has been ruined by deer. "The deer will be in my backyard staring at me and they've been getting aggressive now. They make this hissing sound, this growling. They act like they pretty much own the place."

Borinski said she hopes the township considers using professional hunters.

"The township has a deer problem and what they do about it is their decision," said Ebert of Springdale Farms. "It's said on a number of occasions that the farm is an asset to the community. We'll wait to see what happens."