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RIDGEFIELD, Conn. Ridgefield residents may not know that the controlled deer hunt set to kick off in town parks and open spaces on Oct. 15 is one of the most productive in the state.
For the last three years, Ridgefield's hunt has been among the top three in Connecticut in terms of deer killed. Even so, the town's deer population significantly exceeds the number the state considers desirable.
The hunt was discussed Wednesday at an informational public hearing conducted by the Deer Management Committee, chaired by Tom Belote.
We dont have a perfect system, but its about as good as it gets, Belote said.
The controlled hunt staged by the town for the last six years accounts for one-third to one-half of all deer taken in town, Belote said. During a controlled hunt, special permits are issued for approved areas of the town during specific times. The town follows the state deer season, which stretches from Oct. 15 to the end of January. During specific parts of the season only certain weapons can be used.
Residents Todd Meck and Susanne Handler told Belote they were concerned whether there would be hunting this year at Hemlock Hills. Belote said not during the regular season, but at a later date when the area is less used by the public.
We like to walk there, and we cant walk there when theyre hunting, Handler said.
Much of the controlled hunt takes place in town open spaces like Hemlock Hills, and hunters taking part in the hunt must use tree platforms.
The parks are closed off during the hunt, which is allowed only on weekdays from sunup to sundown, committee member Richard Douville said.
The hunt will take place in the followed open spaces and parks: Levy Park, Shadow Lake, Laurel Lane, Linden Road, Scodon Drive/Pheasant Lane, Between Old Trolley and Shadow Lake, Ridgefield Municipal Golf Course, Reed Park, Spectacle Swamp, the Schlumberger property and Keeler Court. Each area will be marked when they will be closed for the hunt.
We have to balance the publics views and what we can do as the Deer Management Committee, said Belote, adding that deer season comes when people want to use the parks for recreational purposes.
How do you feel about deer hunting in public spaces? Tell us in the comments below or email reporter Alissa Smith with your thoughts so they can be incorporated in future stories.
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