To prevent the population of white-tailed deer from getting out of control, it will henceforth be forbidden to graze these animals outside the hunting season. But if the problem persists, weaning should be considered.
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The Minister de l’Environnement has instituted a ban on the feeding of white-tailed deer between the months of December and August 31 each year, everywhere except the Island of Anticosti.
“Finally, it will be necessary to target the very popular, Environment Minister, Benoît Charette explained. But to prevent this population from developing even further, or from overpopulation problems developing elsewhere in Quebec, a measure was necessary.
Feeding these animals is not good for the species, Mr. Charette recalled. This practice is the cause of health problems and mortality in the deer population, especially because it promotes the retention of these animals in urban environments that are less favorable to their health.
If the population of deer is out of control, it will be necessary to “reduce the quantity”, euphemized Minister Charette, who argued that culling is the preferred option, specifically to deal with the deer problem in Longueuil.
“We know that there have been appeals and there are still some before the courts at this stage. But we have the opposite thing: it is a great difficulty, and it is bad for the animals themselves,” said the minister.
But at the end of December, the Court of Appeal decided to stay the municipality’s order to authorize the hunting of deer in Michel-Chatrand Park, where the population of deer has exploded in recent years. The problem has also been observed elsewhere in the Boucherville and Blainville area.
Asked how the regulations will be applied, Benoit Charette stated that this is done “by announcing”, because “inspectors are not everywhere”.
“But there is a lot of education, he immediately added. Those who think they are doing well by feeding it must be said that it is not to the benefit of the deer themselves.
