Letters to the Editor; Published January 5-11

Eliminate antler restrictions, support, more

Posted 1/4/23

I remember hunting whitetails when I was 12, in Wayne County PA, on the New York border. No point restrictions existed at that time, and PA had a massive deer herd numbering over one million. 

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Letters to the Editor; Published January 5-11

Eliminate antler restrictions, support, more

Posted

Eliminate antler restrictions

I remember hunting whitetails when I was 12, in Wayne County PA, on the New York border. No point restrictions existed at that time, and PA had a massive deer herd numbering over one million. 

The number of hunters was almost as large. 

My first buck was an eight-pointer. Small rack but large deer. I harvested a few spikes and another, much larger, eight. To me it didn’t matter; sure, I would rather have the larger antlers, but a buck was exciting no matter the size. 

The PA deer herd was too large, with an almost 20-1 doe-to-buck ratio. When the bear biologist Dr. Gary Alt took over the whitetail program, he immediately instituted a higher doe harvest. It was good for the herd and the health of the forest. 

Many were disappointed with the dwindling numbers. I believe it was the Quality Deer Management (QDM) organizations and money that pushed for the antler restrictions at that time. 

Since then I’ve seen some massive bucks. I’ve also seen some fully mature spikes, and deer with no brow tines, despite weighing almost 180 pounds. 

I have come to the strong opinion that point restrictions should not be mandatory. It is environment, genetics and diet—not restrictions—that grow monsters. 

We are now allowed to keep thinning the herd with unlimited doe tags in the name of CWD, while the genetically inferior spike remains protected. 

Texas and other trophy-producing states have limited public land. Despite no point-restriction law, antler restrictions are commonly imposed on private leases where QDM is in practice. Fines for taking restricted deer or membership revocation are not uncommon. 

Pennsylvania and New York have massive amounts of public land for hunting. QDM leases are often bordering such lands, I feel this is yet another way for the elite to govern the masses.

George Cunningham
Bellefonte, PA

Take time to support caregivers you know

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating—not only for the more than six million Americans living with the disease, but also for the 11 million family and friends serving as caregivers.  

The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are extensive and increase over time—on average four to eight years following a diagnosis. 

Many family caregivers juggle competing priorities, including work and other family responsibilities. New York State caregivers are often stretched thin. Many are overwhelmed. Most could use help.

I have worked for the Alzheimer’s Association for almost 23 years, and volunteered for the association for five years before that.  I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of not only Alzheimer’s disease but several other forms of dementia as well.  Care partners and caregivers are the saving grace for the person they care for, but lose themselves in the supporting role they play.

Take time to support a caregiver you know. Run errands, help with a household chore, give caregivers a break by spending time with the person with dementia, and educate yourself about the disease—the more you know, the easier it will be to help. 

Reach out to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to learn more and get involved.  These small gestures can make a big difference, and offer well-deserved support to those who give so much. The 24-hour helpline is 800/272-3900.

Meg Boyce, vice president of programs and services
Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley chapter
Poughkeepsie, NY

It’s a beautiful stretch of America. Leave it that way.

As the Delaware reflects the beauty of the slate-grey skies, and the bears nestle deeper into their coats, I want to wish us all peace this many-holiday’ed season. 

Peace, from FIMFO. 

As much as I love this River Reporter, I’m hard-pressed to recall three consecutive issues this year not emblazoned with the resort’s latest hamfisted attempts to pull the wool over this community’s eyes. 

Can we not have peace? Can we not be badgered further? Because the issue—beneath the biased testimonials and the thinly-veiled corporate greed and irresponsibility—is as clear as our trout streams and unsullied reservoirs:  FIMFO has no place along the Delaware. 

The only people at any point making positive statements about this RV fun park are either directly profiting from it or are acquaintances of those who are. 

In this era of low voter turnout and chronic civic apathy, the level of community participation and concern should be an alarm bell. 

In the latest article, wherein a gentleman runs through a list of answers to questions from the public, observe the language:

No plans for further development 

Would include a certain amount of overflow parking

The applicant has hired a hydrology expert… early December 

Expects to see a reduction

Select staff would be trained in basic first aid

[Pools] would be topped off by further trucks or by well water [emphasis mine]

The pools will be in the flood plain. But the chemicals will be above that level [except all the chemicals in the pools]

None of that phraseology would pass muster in a legally binding document. Because it is purposefully vague. Because FIMFO has no place along the Delaware. 

The river is a treasure. Any impositions parked along it in the past, during times of shortsighted and careless stewardship, that are now coming to the natural end of their time, should be thanked for the fun, shuttered, sold at a good price to the government or an environmental partnership, and left be. 

The fact that the talking has taken this long should be evidence enough of the negative impact looming. 

It’s a really, really pretty stretch of America. How ‘bout we leave it that way?

Holter Graham
Narrowsburg, NY

deer, antler restriction, hunting, support, caregivers, delaware river

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