New York states white-tailed deer are enjoyed not only for their beauty, but for the opportunities they afford sportsmen to participate in recreational hunting. While deer have an important role to play in the ecological structure of the forest they can also be a hazard and nuisance to many.

This is where New York’s Environmental Conservation Officers, such as Mark Colesante from the Department of Environmental Conservation, play a vital role in protecting, not only deer, but the surrounding human population as well. Through enforcing responsible recreational hunting practices, Colesante helps ensure deer numbers are kept at a

manageable level as well as making sure hunters are abiding by the law and not abusing their rights.

“The deer hunting laws we enforce are in place for a reason,” Colesante said. “For the most part they are designed to keep people safe. A great example of this is the loaded gun charge. Not allowing hunters to drive with a loaded gun in their vehicle ensures fair chase for the deer and helps to prevent hunter related shooting incidents.”

Given Central New York’s vast agricultural make up, deer are able to hide and feed in crops across the region. If the population were not regulated more and more farmers would see devastated crops due to overfeeding, habitats for deer and other wildlife would be damaged and more deer involved car accidents would occur.

“The main two reasons the Deer Management Program exists are to decrease the number of car deer accidents and to help prevent diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease and rabies, “Colesante said. “Another reason, which is relatively new, is they are finding that too many deer can decimate plant growth on the forest floor preventing forest regeneration.”

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Officer Colesante and the NYDEC the deer population will be able to be enjoyed and maintained for nature enthusiasts and recreational hunters for future generations.