GENESEE COUNTY — Managed deer hunts were unanimously approved by the Genesee County Parks Commission last Thursday for several specific parks, including For-Mar Nature Preserve in Burton, possibly the Hogbacks area of the Holloway Regional Park and the Genesee Recreation Area.

The archery-only hunts will not happen until the 2009 whitetail deer hunting seasons as the parks commission seeks to reduce its overpopulated herds. Starting this fall, staffers will work in tandem with other parks in the state to educate staffers and learn about the specifics of a managed hunt.

Two public hearings also will take place, with one slated for this fall and a second for the winter of 2009 to allow for public comment. The annual winter aerial count will take place to count the deer that in the past two years was has climbed 4 to 10 times the recommended size set by the state’s wildlife officials. The overpopulated herds are causing extensive damage to the parks’ native trees, plants, wildflowers and soil bases. Concern for the deer and their overall health also weighed into the decision.

By May 14 of this year, a plan detail was due for review by the parks commission, and in early spring and summer pre-qualification began to take place for bow hunter applicants seeking to take part in the hunts. Sharpshooters will be used as a last resort, with the preference going to pre-qualified and disabled bow hunters.

“We want to move forward with this program,” said John Kraphol, parks commission president. “We just want to make sure we do it right.” — L.P.

More Tips