An open letter to the PA Game Commission

From: Charlotte Stephenson
To: pgccomments pgccomments@pa.gov 
Subject: Mt. Lebanon PA Deer Management, Southwest Region
Date: Wed, Feb 4, 2015 11:52 pm

To Whom it May Concern of the Pennsylvania Game Commission:

I am a resident of the Mt. Lebanon Municipality in Pittsburgh where a permit application has been submitted to bait, corral and shoot deer. I cannot obtain any detailed information from our local Commissioners regarding the specific plan for this in terms of where, when and exactly how such activity will occur. I live near one of the main parks and have noticed deer over the years. They are not a nuisance to our family. I have not seen as many deer this year as I did a few years ago. I do understand the deer population issue in general, but I do not believe that it is as problematic here as it has been stated by our community leadership.

Our neighboring park is visited frequently by my family, grandson and neighbors who enjoy walking their dogs there or simply enjoy the nature trails and creek all year round.

I am deeply concerned that when I, my grandson or other residents encounter the trapped deer knowing that they are doomed, it will have a lasting emotional impact. As you know, we don't all share the same perspective when it comes to animal rights or hunting. Hunting in Pennsylvania is permitted in areas where it makes sense, but permitting such activity in our densely populated community has the potential to frighten and disgust anyone who believes that this is an inhumane idea. Here is a possible scenario: Child asks "Mommy, why are those deer in that fence jumping around and why can't they get out?". Mom says "Well honey, they are a nuisance to our community so they are in a trap and will be shot and killed as soon as someone shows up to do it". Are we to avoid our public parks so we don't have to deal with this fallout?

Our municipality plants numerous flower beds throughout the community and the varieties they plant attract deer and yet the Commissioners passed an ordinance against feeding deer. There has never been community outreach to help residents understand what they can do to deter deer from visiting their gardens in terms of plantings or deer fences, nor has there been any instruction regarding specific locations or times of day when deer may be moving around or crossing roads for those who may encounter a deer on the road from time to time.

Our leadership is in disarray given the constantly changing direction regarding this issue combined with their actions that are in direct conflict with practical deer management concepts.

Please request that our Commissioners perform their obligatory due diligence to submit accurate information on the numbers of deer we have (this information has been incorrect so far), demonstrate that other solutions have been fully investigated before permitting such a potentially unsettling program in our densely populated community to move forward.

Thank You,

Charlotte M. Stephenson