Alternatives to deer hunting

It came as no surprise to me when I read in the Southeast Missourian this morning that the committee vote favors urban deer hunting 4-to-1. What's new?

This has been a one-sided discussion for months. Most of the members have been for urban deer hunting since the beginning of these discussions.

After attending the deer hunting forum Feb. 28 I found out there was no study done on the number of deer within the city's boundaries. Why not? How can you justify an urban deer hunt without that information? How do you know we are overpopulated? Cape Girardeau is a rural area. There will always be deer and other wildlife here.

There are some good alternatives out there to look at to deter deer that were mentioned at the deer hunting forum.

Deer crossing signs could be put in place where they are necessary. This may help reduce the number of traffic accidents.

People should quit feeding the deer.

Sunny Hill has an organic product that can be sprinkled on the ground around the garden that will keep rabbits, squirrels and deer away. They also have an animal repellent called Liquid Fence to spray on your flowers. They have carried that for years and have had good customer feedback.

Every effort should be made for the safety of the community with alternatives before ever considering urban deer hunting.

LORENE C. ROLAND, Cape Girardeau