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The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced
the completion of deer management activities at the Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
(BPCR) in Groton. Biologists from the DEP’s Wildlife Division culled 20 deer
as part of its ongoing efforts to restore the ecological balance at the Reserve.
The activities occurred on five nights during February 2006. By conducting the
activities at night fewer DEP resources were required to remove the deer, and the
public’s daytime use of the park was not disrupted.
All deer, after being examined by DEP biologists to assess overall herd
health, were donated to "Hunters for the Hungry" for distribution to
local food charities. Approximately 800 pounds of venison were donated this
year. Since deer management was initiated at Bluff Point in 1996, 10,475 pounds
of venison have been provided to charities.
"Over the last ten years, the DEP has successfully reduced the deer
population at Bluff Point to an ecologically sustainable level," said Ed
Parker, Chief of DEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. "Periodic thinning of
the herd is necessary to maintain the deer population at levels that can be
supported by the habitat at Bluff Point and to maintain a healthy, balanced
ecosystem."
Based on population models, the Bluff Point herd was estimated at 45 deer.
Reducing the deer population by 20 was therefore necessary to maintain the
desired size of 25 deer for Bluff Point, thereby balancing the deer population
with the area’s available habitat. Without that balance, over browsing by deer
significantly impacts the area’s plant and animal diversity.
Biological data collected from deer removed from Bluff Point in February 2006
continued to show overall improvements in deer herd health since management
measures began in 1996. As the population has been reduced from almost 300 deer
to about 25 deer, deer fat indices, body weight, and reproductive rates have all
improved, reaching levels consistent with deer taken statewide. In addition,
habitat conditions at the Reserve have improved dramatically.
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