Letter to the editor: Hunting in Pittsburgh parks inhumane, problematic

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has opened Frick and Riverside parks for bow hunting (“Deer hunting to begin in 2 Pittsburgh parks,” Sept. 29, TribLIVE). City solicitor Krysia Kubiak said, “city officials do not think it (hunting) will infringe upon people’s enjoyment of the parks.” But she suggested that “It’s a good idea to wear bright colors and be aware at the same time.”

Bow hunting is extremely inhumane. Twenty-two published scientific studies indicate that the average wounding rate is over 50%. Many deer die a slow, tortuous death.

Apparently, Gainey doesn’t think families seeing dead bloody deer dragged out of the park in front of them, or wounded deer running for their lives, or arrow-struck deer bleeding out in a pool of blood on the ground in front of them, would disturb their enjoyment of the park experience or raise any safety concerns.

There have been no objective population studies, browsing impact studies or any studies to show that there is a deer problem in these parks. No base lines have been established to implement a management program.

If a problem is confirmed, deer contraception is a proven humane and safe solution that only requires the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s approval.

This hunting program is an accident waiting to happen.

George Nagle

Mt. Lebanon