Over the past several weeks there have been many news stories, editorials and social media posts regarding our limited purpose bow hunt. Many of these have been very impassioned by those both for, and/or against, the hunt.

The limited responses from the Wheeling Park Commission management team has been primarily due to the respect we provided the court system as they determined the merits of the injunction that was filed.

We appreciate the court’s prompt response as well as the fair outcome.

After much research and review, we have decided to continue with the Limited Purpose Bow Hunt Nov. 6-8.

To that end, we feel it important that we take this opportunity to update you with information regarding our position and process.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that the decision to move forward with the hunt was not one taken lightly. There have been many conversations for more than a decade. More recently, over the past three years, those conversations increased and helped form our new strategies around environmental stewardship for Oglebay and Wheeling Parks. This strategy is one with significant progress, one that we are very proud of.

The goal of these focused environmental initiatives is to improve our total environment. Specifically, regarding nature in our parks, it is to bring back balance to our ecosystem and give native plants, trees, and all wildlife the opportunity to flourish.

In efforts to improve our forest, we have been removing the invasive trees, plants and vines. An expert in forestry recently hired to assist with this work stated in his report, “The high deer population has resulted in a shortage of reliable, year-round browse and is impacting the habitat for other species. This can be seen by the scarcity of vegetation below 5 feet in height.”

As we continue this focus, we will reintroduce native plants and monitor the forests’ ability to regenerate as saplings are given a chance to grow.

We will also be working to improve the education of the community and the guests visiting the park about our efforts.

To the question about the overpopulation of the deer in the park, it is important to know that a survey conducted by wildlife biologists with West Virginia University Extension Services in 2017 confirmed overpopulation. A survey recently completed shows that those numbers have grown even more. This, even after a disease, referred to as blue tongue disease or EHD, culled a part of the herd naturally later in 2017.

Through this partnership, we will continue to conduct annual surveys and strive to ensure a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Additionally, we have listened to the concerns of the community as it relates to the explosion of tick-borne disease including Lyme disease. This conversation increased with the Health Advisory dated May 2023 from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau of Public Health.

Consideration was given to all forms of deer population reduction. Our research and multiple conversations with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and WVU Extension Service led us to decide on the limited purpose bow hunt.

The marksman option was another viable choice considered. Any option, including relocation and sterilization of the herd, came with safety concerns. The handling of wildlife is different from domesticated pets and requires a variety of both legal and geographic considerations.

The limited purpose bow hunt was chosen as a starting point. For safety reasons it is limited to 20 hunters per day. Strict rules are in place, hunting zones have been set up away from high-traffic areas of Oglebay Park and the hunt will be only three days. Based on the results, both positive and negative, we will use the outcomes to make future adjustments, as necessary.

While we understand many believe this to be an inhumane way to reduce the population, we have also taken into consideration the counsel of both nature professionals and hunters who disagree. We understand remaining silent about the hard work that has gone into this decision has opened the door to much criticism. We have also learned that there are more than two sides to every story and that passionate responses can be filled with misinformation from many sources.

Please know that we are committed to the mission of Oglebay Park to be good stewards for both today and future generations.

This hunt is not just about reducing the deer population. It is about the total balance, growth and good we can do for the entire park.

A park that we all love.

Bob Peckenpaugh is president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission.