Re: Deer stewardship position puzzling, Letters March 31 Oak Bay News
I am inspired to add my thoughts on this growing concern. Jacques Sirois makes many intelligent observations. All of which I agree with. The citizens of Cranbrook, culled 15 habituated deer, in January. It was the city’s fifth annual cull, conducted under permits issued by the provincial government. It is time for Victoria, and Oak Bay to apply for these permits.
The city placed baited clover traps in specific neighbourhoods, based on results of a recent tally of urban deer, as well as public complaints about problem deer. Nearly 400 kilograms of professionally butchered meat was distributed to local organizations after the cull was complete.
With our ever-increasing population of deer in south Oak Bay, and the increasing health risks, the risks to people and pets by rutting bucks or protective does, the permanent loss of so many of our endangered plants and not to mention fences replacing beautiful, healthy gardens, I feel strongly that it is past time that we take our stewardship more seriously and holistically.
Our First Nations understand that the Earth’s stewardship includes the culling and utilization of our prey animals. Especially when the government continues to destroy cougars, wolves and bears, the deer’s only wild predators.
It is time to make garden grown Oak Bay venison part of our 100-mile diet.
Birth control and collars for our urban deer? Seriously?
I implore our council and mayor, not be misdirected by the loud voices of the few who refuse to accept an annual urban deer cull, for all of the above reasons, is the responsible way to proceed. Sign me up for fresh, local venison.
Sharon Fairchild
Oak Bay
