Four years ago, Genesee Land Trust launched a Deer Management Program with bow hunters who hunt Brookdale and Reed Road Preserves in the Town of Chili where bow hunting is allowed (now by permit only).
The Deer Management Program has created a new group of land trust supporters who care for Brookdale and Reed Road Preserves year-round.
For many involved in the program, hunting, conservation, and caring for the land is an important tradition and are including their children in their volunteer projects on the preserves.
To date, they have helped by removing invasive shrubs, posting signs, improving footbridges, planting trees, mowing meadows, and keeping trails clear.
The footbridges at Brookdale Preserve got upgraded with help from permitted hunter Michael Gale and his young son
“It’s been very rewarding helping the land trust while getting to do what I love outdoors. It’s a win-win situation.”
If you have questions about the program, please contact Kevin Farrell at kfarrell@geneseelandtrust.org. There are currently no permits available, but we are happy to add you to our waiting list.
Permitted hunters Andrew, Mark, and Tony posting a preserve boundary sign at Brookdale Preserve
Their efforts have also discouraged off-road vehicle use and illegal gun hunting, which have historically been a challenge on the preserves.
Importantly, when hunters are successful at taking deer, it reduces pressure on the plant species that deer browse on, including important native plants such as wildflowers, oaks, and hickories.
Deer overabundance has been well documented in New York State and Monroe County with significant impacts beyond those on natural habitats, including:
deer-vehicle collisions on roads
destruction of crops on farms
damage to landscaping plants around our home
increase of tick-borne illness such as Lyme disease
Learn more about these impacts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation here.