Sharpshooter Program To Be Discussed At Southold Community Meeting

As tensions continue to escalate over a proposed sharpshooter program that has
scores across the East End either protesting or speaking out in support of the plan, Southold Town has scheduled a community meeting to discuss specifics.

According to Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, a community meeting will be held in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services representatives on Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Southold Town Recreation Center on Peconic Lane.

A protest in opposition to the plan will be held on Jan. 18 in East Hampton. According to John Di Leonardo, president of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature, animal advocates will hold the "No Cull" rally at the Hook Windmill on North Main Street. 

The rally will begin at 1 p.m.; television footage "exposing deer netting," will be shown, according to Di Leonardo.

Joining Di Leondardo and animal advocate Wendy Chamberlin, who has led talks with the towns about immunocontraception and other alternatives, will be Bill Crain, founder of the East Hampton Wildlife Group, and others.

 “We have a plan that has been proven to work in many areas around the country that will reduce the deer population and solve these conflicts without resorting to mayhem and murder," Chamberlin said. "Why won’t these elected officials consider this plan that works, costs very little, and that most of their citizens want?”