Syracuse.com - Federal sharpshooters taking aim at 3,000 white-tailed deer in Long Island

[HuntingNY-News]

If carried out, it would be the largest federal deer removal program in the state's history.

A total of 3,000 white-tail deer on eastern Long Island are scheduled to be taken out by federal sharpshooters beginning in February, according to Newsday.com.

"The cull -- backed by the Long Island Farm Bureau and key officials on the East End -- would involve agents shooting with night-vision equipment and silenced rifles, and from the backs of trucks and atop tree stands," the website reported. If carried out, it would be the largest federal deer removal program in the state's history.

Officials estimate the total herd size on the island's east end and in the town of Brookhaven at 35,000.

Supporters of the culling program say the growing white-tailed deer population has contributed to car accidents, Lyme disease and the destruction of crops and gardens. Opponents say the plan is misguided and the deer have become scapegoats.

The subject of what to do with excessive amounts of suburban and urban deer continues to be a problem across the state. The city of Syracuse recently formed a city/county task force to deal with the problem, but there's been no updates on this panel since the fall election.

Time Magazine recently did a cover story of the issue entitled "America's Pest Problem: It's Time to Cull the Herd."

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog