Deer Program Changes Discussed By Southold Town

This hunting season, some changes are in store in Southold Town.

Jeff Standish, of the town's Deer Management Program, came before the town board on Tuesday to discuss some proposed changes to the plan.

First off, hunting areas on town properties are slated to be open seven days a week; before, they were open Wednesdays through Saturday. 

In addition, Standish said, this year, three new properties added, including Manor Grove in Greenport, Pekunka in Greeport, and McFeely's in Laurel. Those parcels add an additional seven acres; 531 acres will be open for hunting in 2013. 

Also, Standish said, a new policy would allow the town to go over the usual 100 hunters allowed; for example, if the number reaches 105, that would be allowed.

A refrigeration truck will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Friday; Standish also asked the board to approve overtime so that refrigeration truck might be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m.

The refrigeration truck would serve as a Department of Environmental check station, to distribute tags, and hunter would not have to drive to Ridge for the tags, Standish said.

"The fact that the DEC allows us to have a check station is a huge step," Councilman Bill Ruland said.