STOP MICHIGAN METROPARK DEER KILLINGS

In the past 10 years over 2,700 Michigan Metropark deer have been killed. Multiple types of weapons have been used including bows and arrows and various firearms. In 1999, the public was told that a one-year experiment to kill deer in three Michigan Metroparks was to be implemented as HCMA's concept for deer management. ELEVEN years later they continue this one-year experiment at 8 of the 13 Metroparks. Obviously, this deer management program is NOT successful if HCMA must continue to kill deer every year. Metroparks Deer Preservation Council (MDPC) believes that the public has been severely deceived.

MDPC was founded in 1999 by volunteers, concerned park patrons and taxpayers of Michigan. Membership consists of individuals who believe it is not appropriate to use dangerous weapons in our Metroparks, especially with all the residential areas surrounding the parks. These parks are places of sanctuary for us and wildlife alike. We believe non-lethal forms of deer management are more effective, safer and more humane in the long term compared to lethal forms of deer management.

HCMA staff and commissioners have expressed that there is little to no opposition to these deer killings in our Metroparks. However, MDPC feels that many individuals in Michigan and throughout the country are totally unaware that these deer killings are conducted. After 11 years, it is time for the HCMA staff and commissioners to answer to the Michigan public about how much longer our tax dollars will be used for this ineffective program.

The petition wishes to accomplish the following goals:

1. To inform the public of the continuing Metropark deer kills. Rifles, muzzleloaders, bows and arrows are currently allowed in our Metroparks. Are the Metroparks appropriate places for these weapons?
2. To collect signatures from those opposed to the current plan, including park patrons, residents, taxpayers, wildlife advocates and general public, both in Michigan and throughout the country, assuring the HCMA staff and commissioners that there is indeed opposition to their ineffective, dangerous and inhumane deer management in our Metroparks. Although 11 years have passed, our beliefs and concerns continue.
3. To encourage HCMA staff and commissioners, as well as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment to implement non-lethal deer management methods. It is time to use non-lethal methods, since the killings are ineffective and have no end in sight. Why has a one-year plan lasted 11 years?  We want to know when the killings will stop and when an effective non-lethal plan will be implemented. The deer management issue is a nationwide concern, there are non-lethal methods successfully utilized in other locations. The Metroparks would be an ideal location for this type of pilot program.
   

THANK YOU for supporting MDPC's opposition to the HCMA's ineffective deer management plan and the use of weapons in our Metroparks.