A managed deer hunt is taking place in Emerald Isle. City officials voted to allow the town to apply for a hunting permit to thin the over-crowded deer population around the Coast Guard Road area. There will be only two hunters allowed to participate. These hunters will only be allowed to use bow and arrows and must hunt from elevated positions i.e. tree stands.
The hunt will be performed by two Emerald Isle Police officers during their off time. The town has ordinances that prohibit deer hunting of any kind, and they remain in effect. There’s also ordinances prohibiting the discharge of a firearm in the city limits, and this has not changed.
If you’ve ever drivien down Coast Guard Road at night or near dusk, I’m sure you’ve noticed a large amount of deer in the area. The hunt will take place in Emerald Isle Woods Park. It will occur during hours that the park is closed. Either in the very early morning hours or evening hours just before dusk.
Once harvested, the deer are going to be processed and donated to needy families in the Carteret County area. Personally I think this is a novel idea, and should have been looked into several years ago.
It is estimated that the large deer population has caused around 12 motor vehicle accidents each year for the past several years. Residents have also complained about the deer damaging flowers, plants, and lawns. The estimated deer population of about 150 deer is nearing the point that it is unhealthy for these animals. When deer become overcrowded, diseases spread, and food/water become scarce.
This deer hunt is a trial run for the town. I’m not aware of them doing anything like this before. If it goes well, it is likely they will use this method again in the future to prevent overpopulation.
While some citizens have voiced concern regarding publicly safety, the Town Manager Frank Rush, has assured everyone that this will be done in a safe manner. Personally I think they should have allowed the residents in the Coast Guard Road neighborhoods to take deer with bow and arrow from their decks during this time of year. There’s not many visitors, and they could put a deer quota in place, say 60 deer allowed to be harvested. This would ensure a good thinning of the population. How many deer can two hunters really get in one small area? My guess is they get about 10 at the maximum.