Supervisor: Public 'Resoundingly Requested' Deer Culling Option

As controversy continues to swirl over a proposed sharpshooter program to cull the deer herd on the East End, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell discussed a coming forum to address the plan.

On Thursday, the Southold Deer Management Task Force will host a public informational meeting on the proposed deer project, a proposal by the Long Island Farm Bureau to cull deer herds as part of a multi-pronged approach to reduce damage caused by white-tailed deer that is destroying the ecosystem of Eastern Long Island, according to the supervisor.

Martin Lowney, state director United States Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services of New York State will be onhand to discuss the scope of the project and anticipated outcomes. The deer project is intended to complement existing practices to address the overpopulation of deer, Russell said.

The forum will begin at  p.m. at the Southold Recreation Center.

“The public resoundingly requested that the Southold Town Board pursue the option of culling herds as part of the town’s integrated deer management plan, and we believe this strategy will assist in addressing a complex problem impacting public safety and the local economy," Russell said.

For information, please contact the supervisor's office at 631-765-1889.