I guess this is what happens when anti gun/anti hunting idiots think mother nature will take care of the planet and animal populations. I really love the reporters choice of words "slaughter" instead of "harvest". This problem is occurring all over the U.S. The idea that hunting is bad and that hunters can't shoot straight bugs me. Lastly, Texas outlawed hunting with bow or rifle on any land less than ten acres in "incorporated areas".
http://www.ksat.com/news/20983238/detail.html
SAN ANTONIO -- A huge battle is brewing in an exclusive north side neighborhood over plans to thin the deer population.
The Elm Creek Homeowners Association wants to trap and slaughter 100 deer out of a herd of 231 in an effort it says is necessary to protect residents, plants and deer.
But opponents said they were blindsided by the plans and call the move senseless and cruel.
"My children love them, my grandchildren can't wait to come and see the deer," said Susan McNatt, an Elm Creek resident.
"They say, 'Oh it's an emotional issue'," said Neal. "Well, sure it's an emotional issue."
But the HOA board said most residents are tired of deer eating their plants.
"The dominant concern and frustration in Elm Creek is the overpopulated deer herd," said HOA board member Tom Jaco.
"So many people said, 'Do something about the deer,'" said HOA treasurer Mickey Roth.
HOA board members said 230 deer simply cannot exist in 150 acres of habitat the neighborhood offers.
Board members said that Texas Parks and Wildlife officials advised them to trim the herd based on the assumption the deer are captive.
And that may not be the case. KSAT 12 News video showed at least one big gap in the perimeter fence, which deer may be using to move to other property.
"There's a lot of fence that's down there and I hike all back in there,” said resident Dan McNatt. "And there's deer that come and go everyday."
Jaco did not deny that sections of fence may be down.
"We have that possibility of that transfer from other areas," he said.
Still, Jaco believes that culling the deer population is best for everyone involved.
HOA officials do not have a permit yet to slaughter the deer, but they hope TPW awards the permit so they can begin capturing deer next month. The HOA plans to give the deer meat to charity.
Meanwhile, opponents said they have at least 200 signatures on a petition opposing the deer capture.
http://www.ksat.com/news/20983238/detail.html
SAN ANTONIO -- A huge battle is brewing in an exclusive north side neighborhood over plans to thin the deer population.
The Elm Creek Homeowners Association wants to trap and slaughter 100 deer out of a herd of 231 in an effort it says is necessary to protect residents, plants and deer.
But opponents said they were blindsided by the plans and call the move senseless and cruel.
"My children love them, my grandchildren can't wait to come and see the deer," said Susan McNatt, an Elm Creek resident.
"They say, 'Oh it's an emotional issue'," said Neal. "Well, sure it's an emotional issue."
But the HOA board said most residents are tired of deer eating their plants.
"The dominant concern and frustration in Elm Creek is the overpopulated deer herd," said HOA board member Tom Jaco.
"So many people said, 'Do something about the deer,'" said HOA treasurer Mickey Roth.
HOA board members said 230 deer simply cannot exist in 150 acres of habitat the neighborhood offers.
Board members said that Texas Parks and Wildlife officials advised them to trim the herd based on the assumption the deer are captive.
And that may not be the case. KSAT 12 News video showed at least one big gap in the perimeter fence, which deer may be using to move to other property.
"There's a lot of fence that's down there and I hike all back in there,” said resident Dan McNatt. "And there's deer that come and go everyday."
Jaco did not deny that sections of fence may be down.
"We have that possibility of that transfer from other areas," he said.
Still, Jaco believes that culling the deer population is best for everyone involved.
HOA officials do not have a permit yet to slaughter the deer, but they hope TPW awards the permit so they can begin capturing deer next month. The HOA plans to give the deer meat to charity.
Meanwhile, opponents said they have at least 200 signatures on a petition opposing the deer capture.
.
