Killing of white deer at park prompts call for policy review

The killing of a rare white buck as part of an effort to control the deer population at Kensington Metropark in southwestern Michigan has upset some area residents and nature-lovers.

The deer had been seen at the park for more than three years, according to The Oakland Press of Pontiac. It was killed in February as part of a cull to reduce the deer herd in the area, but residents didn’t learn of the death until recently.

Paul Muelle, natural resources director at Huron-Clinton Metroparks, said the sharpshooter team followed proper procedure. He said there was no effort to conceal the death of the deer.

“We haven’t kept it from anybody,” said Muelle. “There is always a percentage of people that don’t like the process, and we understand that. It’s been pretty constant through the years. But there was nothing illegal about this particular incident and all involved followed protocol.”

Gregory Miller, a Howell man who photographs wildlife at the park, recently sent a letter to park administrators saying it was “unique, beautiful, rare and irreplaceable.”

“It is us after all, that pays your salary and that of the police,” Miller wrote. “It is your responsibility to see that something like this never happens again. In other words, manage!”

Milford Township Supervisor Donald Green said he hadn’t received any complaints from residents but expressed regret at the deer’s death.

“It’s a shame somebody shot it,” said Green. “It’s a rarity, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Why would you shoot it?”  (AP)