NOTE:  there's been considerable controversy here about whether any residents would allow shooting from their rooftops.  Deer culls frequently utilize decks and blinds attached to homes (see what an experienced sharpshooter has to say about this at https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2014/04/confessions-sharpshooter-how-deer-cull-actually-works/  In the interest of satisfying objectors, however, we've changed "rooftops" in our description below to "elevated platforms."  

See below for updates and links to DNR permits issued to municipalities in past and recent years.

Please sign and share this petition to prevent the slaughter of deer who live in the Black River area.  

The Black River area in the Town of Wilson lies between Kohler Andrae State Park and the City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  The area is nestled between two large wetland conservancies to the south and north.  Here, residents and visitors enjoy viewing a variety of wildlife, including white tailed deer.  

Now, however, several residents are demanding that the Town of Wilson "cull" the deer population in order to protect their gardens and landscape plants.  If these folks have their way, the Town would allow shooters to bait and kill deer from "elevated platforms."  Due to the "bounce back effect" (higher reproductive rates among surviving deer), this slaughter would be repeated every 2-3 years going forward.  

Here's why the experts say deer culling does NOT work: Deer Killing Programs Do Not Work (HSUS)

Deer kills do not keep the numbers down:  Surviving does have more fawns, and deer from neighboring areas migrate to post-deer-kill areas.  This "bounce back effect" leads to an increase in post-cull deer populations.

Killing deer will not protect gardens and shrubbery:   Some plants, like hostas and tulips, are irresistible to deer.  ALL the deer would need to be killed to protect these plants, which is impossible.  Gardeners can use repellants, alternative plantings, and netting/fences instead.

Deer kills will not reduce the incidence of Lyme disease:  Deer ticks are carried by all mammals.  Nymph ticks that carry Lyme are the size of poppy seeds and are primarily found on mice.  Birds also transport ticks.

Deer kills are not the solution to forest regeneration:  Forests are suffering for many reasons; killing deer will not bring them back.  See:  https://wildlife.org/deer-not-always-to-blame-for-suppressing-tree-growth/

Killing deer will not stop deer-vehicle-collisions:  Instead of wasting money on futile deer kills, communities can enforce speed limits that lead to a safer community for everyone.

Learn more: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-deer-killing-programs-dont-solve-conflicts-deer

There are non-lethal alternatives and solutions to managing deer in communities.  The Humane Society offers a comprehensive plan for living with deer:  https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-deer

TAKE ACTION!
1.  SPEAK at the Public Comment period at the begining of the next Town of Wilson Board meeting on the evening of Monday, June 5.  We'll post an update with the agenda here as soon as it is available.

2.  WRITE an email to the Town of Wilson at chairman@townwilson.com

3.  Put up a FREE YARD SIGN to let folks know you are against pointlessly slaughtering deer in the Town of Wilson.  Email ragins@me.com to get yours.