For decades, the deer in our parks – funded by all Pa. citizens – have been increasingly subjected to wounding, mutilation and death during extra days and by additional weapons (Ridley Creek State Park now allows bow hunts for months on end, and now two days of shotgun hunts), making the parks much less appealing for those of us who previously enjoyed utilizing them.

The slaughters are clearly scheduled when large-antlered trophy males can be included, contrary to basic scientific evidence that “killing male deer (bucks) accomplishes little to control the deer population.” “Winners” are selected by lottery, the “prize” being chances to shoot deer relegated to small portions of preserved space left to all other species after our massive building, dumping, toxic waste creation etc. Presumably tied to money and hunting pressure, most state officials and local newspapers continue to vilify deer…