Ridgefield Connecticut’s Controlled hunt is off to a great start
A Controlled hunt started in Ridgefield Connecticut on October 15th. for town owned land to try and manage the deer herd for that area. The first week appears to have been a success and the archers all showed their skill and met with praise.
Oct 25, 2007
DEER HUNT: Archers take eight in first week
By Jenny Cox, Ridgefield Press Staff
Eight deer were “harvested†in the first week of the town’s deer hunt, which Deer Implementation Committee Chairman Tom Belote considers a good number considering the mild weather.
“As the weather cools down next week and we get out of this week’s full moon, we expect increased activity during the archery phase of the hunt,†he said.
The archery season began on Oct. 15, and for the first week hunting was limited to two town properties: a parcel of open space near Canterbury Lane and the Levy Park.
Mr. Belote said hunting at Levy Park is restricted to mornings. Archery hunting at Spectacle Swamp is being “phased in†starting this week, he said.
In November, deer hunting with firearms will begin at the Hemlock Hills preserve and in Spectacle Swamp.
Mr. Belote said all eight deer culled so far were “dropped immediately near the tree stands.â€
“The hunters have demonstrated the highest degree of skill and professionalism,†he said. “Contrary to some isolated objections against employing archery in the controlled hunts, there have been no lost deer or woundings. We have not had any safety issues.â€
“One hunter found a note on his truck thanking him for participating and telling him he could stop by for coffee,†Mr. Belote said.
Hunting on town property is only allowed on weekdays when school is in session.