FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 26, 1996
CONTACT: Mike Markarian, (301) 585-2591, MikeM@fund.org
SILVER SPRING -- On Friday, September 27, from 3:00-4:00 PM, at the office of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 8787 Georgia Avenue, downtown Silver Spring, members of The Fund for Animals and concerned Montgomery County residents (including a "deer") will protest three proposed deer hunts in State and County Parks.
Despite public opposition, deer hunts have been scheduled for this winter in Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Little Bennett Regional Park in Damascus, and Agricultural History Farm Park in Rockville. At three public meetings held in August, only 30 people spoke in support of the hunts, while 68 residents spoke in opposition to the deer hunts.
"Assassinating tame deer who live in our parks is inhumane and is ineffective at solving the problems Montgomery County residents are concerned about," says Michael Markarian, campaign director of The Fund for Animals. "Officials should look at fencing, repellents, roadside reflectors, and the other effective methods of keeping deer away from roads, crops, and gardens -- rather than shoot first and ask questions later."
Hunting has never solved or reduced conflicts between deer and people, because hunted deer respond with increased reproduction. Several states, however, are actually reducing deer nuisance problems be using the nonlethal technology available. New Jersey donates deer repellents to farmers and homeowners; California distributes a gardener's guide on preventing deer damage; and Washington and Minnesota installed roadside reflectors to deter deer from crossing roads, and recorded an 88 percent and 91 percent decrease, respectively, in deer/car collisions.
"Montgomery County residents will not be duped by pro-hunting propaganda," adds Markarian. "We will stop these proposed hunts before our tax dollars and our deer are shot to pieces."
At the protest, The Fund for Animals will distribute copies of its 4-page question and answer fact sheet on white-tailed deer, and copies of its 12-page brochure for homeowners called "Living With Deer." Copies are also available by calling (301) 585-2591 or by sending us mail.