State Wants To Expand Controversial Blue Hills Deer Hunt
BOSTON (CBS) - One of the area's most popular swimming, camping, and hiking spots may become a hunting ground in several months.
"I just don't think the Blue Hills is the place to do it. There are lots of other places," said Peter Morrissey, an avid hiker and member of Friends of the Blue Hills Deer. "This is an urban park…there shouldn't be killing near so many people."
The state-run deer hunt attracted a crowd of protesters outside the Blue Hills reservation last year. Now the state wants to expand it.
The proposed 2016 hunt would more than double the number of hunters over nearly 900 more acres than last year. The number of hunting days would jump from two to six and would include bows and arrows in addition to shotguns. It would run November 29th, 30th, December 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th.
The state wants to manage deer density, to limit the damage deer do to trees and to the habitat for other wildlife. There are also concerns over the spread of Lyme disease through deer ticks.
"Just last week I saw four. I saw two on the street where I live and another street, young does," said Jim Downing who was at the reservation Wednesday.
Brunir Shackleton said he's scared of hitting a deer every time he drives by. "I'm always looking out," he says. "They're very big animals."
The state plans to hold two public meetings to discuss the plan before the hunting season begins.
