Plan to kill Catalina Island deer using sharpshooters in copters is opposed by LA County

The conservancy has planned a two-year ecosystem restoration using seeds of native plants. But that won’t be successful with the deer present, Dennhardt said.

“In my perspective, this project is so critical for climate resiliency on Catalina,” she said. She added that as a biologist it is difficult for her to see the deer eradicated but, she says, it’s either the deer or the island’s ecosystem. Julie Benson, also with the conservancy, said they have 24 letters of support from other organizations.

The helicopter snipers would need six to seven weeks to shoot the deer, and it would take place in the interior of the island, away from the human population. Dennhardt said aerial shooting has been used on Maui to thin the deer herd there.

Winston Vickers, a wildlife veterinarian who has done research on the island, said shooting deer is the most humane way to eliminate the herd. He supported the method, which has been used on islands throughout the world.

“They (deer) are scientifically shown to be very detrimental to the island and its ecology,” Vickers said.

Many island residents said they don’t want the deer killed off. Some said the deer are part of the culture of the island, are popular with children who visit, and are not a harm but a benefit.

Diane Stone, representing the Catalina Island Humane Society, called the planned aerial shooting “brutal, inhumane, unnecessary and dangerous,” and added, “Mule deer are part of our island landscape and heritage.”

The deer were brought to the island about 100 years ago for sport hunting. They’ve become island tourist attractions, like the Catalina Island bison and the island foxes.

The eradication was not supported by the California Rifle and Pistol Association, said Rick Travis, who spoke on the organization’s behalf. He said the hunting community and animal rights groups have joined together to oppose the plan.

Some island residents remember the aerial shooting of goats, which they said traumatized residents.

Brie Broussard, owner of a business in Avalon, said tourists who’ve learned about the killing plan are upset and have expressed their displeasure. “They are turning away in disgust and many have vowed not to return to our island,” she said.

_____