Bow-hunting, bounty on deer barbaric

Some Sleepy Hollow residents are proposing the massacre of part of our deer population by bow and arrow, and the gruesome idea of a monetary bounty per animal has been raised. They have erected a linguistically deceptive poll (by whose authority?) on the Sleepy Hollow website, seeking opinions. "Non-firearm control" does not mean nonlethal, as one skeptical observer noted. Such a pursuit is illegal in this village, long designated a wildlife sanctuary per ordinance.

Perhaps those determined to cull, i.e., kill, should consider the majestic 12-point buck who stumbled into my yard dying from two arrows - one pink, one yellow - obviously the victim of two inept aims. He was trailed by a few other distressed deer who attempted to assuage his pathetic death throes.

Despite safety concerns from local law enforcement, lack of support from environmental advocates and other opposition, this determined band continues to pursue this objective. Residents have been advised on how to protect plants with sprays, netting, etc., and our speed limits are set low for vigilance.

Proponents claim this barbarity would take place in an area "away from homes." It is still absurdly dangerous. An errant arrow killed a woman in Maine.

There are locations worldwide marked for hunting as sport. Sleepy Hollow, a tiny village filled with people, pets and many children, is definitely not one of them.

Deer are not pesky little nuisances sentenced to die for chomping on shrubbery. Coexisting with wildlife presents challenges, but frustration should not justify the targeting and painful death of a terrified animal while its killer celebrates a bounty.

Express opposition now to this ill-conceived, inhumane proposal.

Mona Auer

Sleepy Hollow