What Our Readers Think: Controlling Deer Populations

On Thursday, Patch published an article about the Department of Environmental Conservation expanding 15-year-old deer hunting boundaries in an effort to control Suffolk County's deer population.

• Deer Overpopulation Prompts DEC to Expand Hunting Grounds in Hamptons

Patch readers had a lot to say on the subject both in support and in opposition. The following is a round-up of their comments. Feel free to continue the conversation by logging into to Patch and posting your thoughts in the comment section below.

Jerry Can said, "I do hope they have a successful season as the roads have become too dangerous recently with deer's crossing. It's also a cruel way for them to die on the side of a road."

PATRIOT said the "DEC should be thanked for common sense decision in this problem. Time to break out the Bonac recipe book."

Peconic Sunset wrote, "Slow down drivers, the deer will be erratic as the hunters run them ragged."

27 EAST added, "Who says the deer are over populated? I thought last year they eradicated most of the deer in Hampton Bays. Why can't we coexist with their territory?"

And on Facebook, Bob Goida said, "They were here first — get rid of the humans — bring back their natural predators — Oh & definitely get rid of the 'hunters' — unless they use their bare hands, it isn't fair."

Lee Jackson responded, "or... capture them and ship them off to some nation that's short on food."

Now it's your turn. Post your thoughts below.