Mulling the Culling

Well, friends, it’s been some time since I’ve updated my posts.  This morning I delved into the seedy underworld of one of 'those' web boards we all know and hate and saw that someone had reposted a link to my blog.  It motivated me to sit down at the computer and pen my thoughts.  If for nothing else, it helps keep the old mind sharp! 

When I first began this blog I vowed to avoid the hot button issues within the community as that was not my aim.  I wanted to share my (and my family’s) experiences in the North Georgia Mountains while enjoying the beauty of Coosawattee River Resort.  Ironically, I’ve looked at the view counts of my previous posts to discover that the posts that dealt with community issues had the most views.  Take for instance my posts on the CRR Campground – as of this morning my second post had 621 views (as of April 1st, 2016 - 769 views).  That's no joke!  I can only guess that that count is comprised mostly of curious homeowners and I feel good about the fact that my thoughts are being shared (for what they are worth!).  After all, I suggested a campground 'buy back' program over year ago to assist with moving some of the aging and undesirable properties out of the community - and guess what?  That idea is now coming to fruition in a similar form!  So, here we go…….

Obviously, the topic of choice these days in CRR is discussion about the proposed deer culling.  This topic has become a polarizing factor within the community and for good reason.  The wildlife and natural beauty that surround us every day is most likely the reason that 99% of owners moved to CRR.  And let’s face it, the deer are a source of entertainment to adults and wonderment to the young eyes that experience their first up close and personal experience with nature.  However, like so many things in this world, Man must be careful not to damage these resources.  Now, before anyone gets a preconceived notion of my stance on the topic I will say this – I sit slap in the middle.  Not to avoid controversy, but because I can see the argument of both sides.  And, let’s face it, right wrong or indifferent you cannot make people think a different way without taking their thoughts and believes into account.  To do anything else is simply arguing a point into the ground which is still occurring. 

I should also mention that I believe a lot of the varied opinions that have occurred is due to the fact that the deer population varies greatly depending on where in CRR you live.  Remember, we aren't a small neighborhood.  We cover miles upon miles of land.  I know in my neck of the woods the deer are not very plentiful and never have been.  However, I understand there are areas on the North side of the river that appear to have a significant number of deer.  This disparity in the population may be causing some of the communication issues amongst owners since not everyone is seeing the same thing.  I have spent time reading comments on 'those' web boards, the CRR message board and listened to what others had to say regarding over population and have formulated the thoughts and balanced thinking below.  Let's take a look.

Let me start with my left brain thoughts (no political innuendo intended!).  I, like so many people, enjoy seeing the deer and the wildlife and am the first person to stand up and say “Man should not be managing mother nature – She should be managing us!”.  Man has tried to manage the earth and for the most part has failed miserably.  Over population of any species is due to a loss of that species' predators.  There were many critters that roamed our woods that were eradicated because they were considered a nuisance or a danger to Man.  Many of these critters would naturally control the deer population but Man decided he knew best and ‘managed’ the population of those animals only to create another issue - over population.  This same outcome will occur time and time again until we learn that we really don’t know what is best for nature - only for ourselves and the primary element of all living things - survival.  Enter right brain…..

While Man may have interfered with nature – nature always has a way of overcoming (not an exact quote of Michael Crichton, but pretty close).  Nature will eventually overcome the doings of Man and will take care of the deer population on its own.  Probably in the form of disease.  The last outbreak I saw in another part of the country was tuberculosis.  Close deer herds sharing food sources also share disease.  Just as us humans do.  An open hunting season was given in the areas of known disease as the carriers had to be eliminated to avoid death of the entire herd.  It’s a sad sight to see deer wasting away from disease but the wildlife management in the area had 'managed' the natural predators such as wolves and coyotes to the point they no longer naturally managed the herd.  I can assure you this – the deer in CRR are not starving or wasting away, but are rather quite healthy specimens of white tail deer (and no, they don't need to be fed in the winter.  They manage to survive in every other part of the country without Man interfering).  However, that could end at a time of outbreak.

So, where does this leave us?  Still very divided I’m sure!  Regardless of your personal opinions I do invite everyone to consider both sides of the argument and carry discussion on in a civil manner.  After all, both sides of the discussion truly believe they are doing the right thing for the animals and you can’t fault anyone for being passionate and protective of our natural resources and willing to take sides against neighbors and friends for what they believe is right.  However, let’s not turn this discussion into April 12^th, 1861.  There is a solution and I believe both sides will need to budge a bit to find a happy middle ground that everyone can live with.

Please share your thoughts below and feel free to e-mail me.  My e-mail address is shown to the left.

As always, enjoy this beautiful place we call home and be willing to make decisions that will benefit ALL of God's creatures Along the Coosawattee River!

Til next time,

Chris