News in brief: Pittsburgh is partnering with the USDA to launch an archery hunting pilot program in local parks, aiming to reduce the deer population for environmental and safety reasons.
Pittsburgh city announced on Monday, September 4, that it working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to launch a archery hunting pilot program in a bid to control the deer population in local parks.
The City of Pittsburgh is partnering with the @USDA to host a Deer Management Pilot Program with archery-controlled hunts in Frick and Riverview Parks during the 2023-2024 deer archery season. pic.twitter.com/85TmDC9U8u
— City of Pittsburgh (@Pittsburgh) September 3, 2023
The pilot program is scheduled to kick off in October 2023 and starts with 30 archers participating in controlled hunts in the cityâs Frick and Riverview parks. Selected hunters must pass a safety course and meet other qualifications. They will be assigned a Hunter ID number and a specific location within the parks where they are permitted to hunt.
The goal of the program is to reduce the deer population in the parks to a sustainable level for the environment and make it safe for the public.
Pittsburgh has an estimated deer population of about 300 in both parks, as a news coverage mentioned. Authorities say this is more than the carrying capacity of the land.
The pilot program is expected to run for one year and then it will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness. Then, if successful, it is expected to be replicated in other parks in the city.
The announcement of the pilot program elicited varied reactions from residents. Some expressed support for the program, citing its necessity in controlling the deer population. Others have, however, opposed it on the grounds of being cruel to animals.
The reactions are similar to those generated by the Ireland government’s announcement of its intention to control wolf population.
Pittsburgh city authorities have expressed willingness to work with the USDA to ensure that the hunts are conducted humanely. Additionally, hunters have been mandated to use blunt-tipped arrows in order to minimise the pain effect in the hunt.
