Politics & Government
DEM Proposes New Crossbow Regulations To Control Deer Count
The Tiverton Rod and Gun Club was the setting for the workshop on fish and game regulations.
The Department of Environmental Management held a public workshop for about 60 people at the Tiverton Rod & Gun Club Wednesday evening on their proposed changes to hunting and fishing regulations. Changes to the 201-12 to hunting season regulations, 2012-13 fishing regulations and the Park and Management Areas regulations were presented.
It was the first time most in attendance looked at the three documents. DEM Associate Director Larry Mouradjian ran the workshop and welcomed the open setting.
“This workshop is where we can have a back and forth conversation," he said. "This is very good. Tell us what you think and we can talk about it. But, at the formal hearing it’s only going to go one way, you to us."
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The formal hearing is set for June 1 at the Warwick Police Station.
As Mouradjian read page by page and noted lines that were to be changed it became apparent that there were no monumental changes to the documents or regulations.
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What he did note is the change of the allowance of crossbows to be carried during shotgun season. Currently, the crossbow is legally considered a firearm because it shoots out a metal projectile. Since it is considered a firearm, there is a setback zone of 500 feet.
There is legislation to group crossbows into the archery laws and give a setback of only 200 feet.
By doing this, according to Mouradjian, it gives hunters one more tool to help with the tremendous deer populations.
Speaking of the deer, Principal Wildlife Biologist Brian Taft gave a detailed power point presentation.
In it, he highlighted:
- Hunters and the DEM working together to accurately record the deer take.
- The move to use a telephone/Internet reporting system for deer takes.
- Reviewed last season’s move of a two zone system to track takes.
- Extended seasons for game.
- Setting the correct balance between deer population, deer takes, traffic crashes with deer and farmer nuance control.
“You, the hunters, are the most important tool to control the deer population. Remember we are on your side,” said Tefft.
