Oakmont Borough officials rolled out a new deer management program on Thursday, authorizing a small group of vetted archers to hunt deer in two public areas – Dark Hollow Woods and Falling Springs Run Park. The initiative, designed to address growing concerns about deer overpopulation and related safety issues, is being overseen by the borough manager, Scot Fodi, in partnership with Suburban Wildlife Management.
Why the borough is acting
According to Manager Fodi, residents have reported an increasing number of encounters between deer and people, as well as incidents involving pets. “We don’t know the exact numbers of the population. Nobody really knows, because they’re so transient. But we’ve had enough anecdotal stories, situations and events, and conflicts that we’ve been hearing from residents at least for four or five years,” Fodi said. He added that deer have been seen crossing streets at dusk and early morning, creating potential hazards for drivers and pedestrians.
Program details and oversight
The borough is working with Suburban Wildlife Management to certify archers who meet strict criteria. So far, fewer than five archers have been approved. Each participant will carry identification indicating their permission to hunt under the program, and the borough will share this information with the local police department. “If anybody believes somebody is not acting the best to do the archery hunting, they should contact the police, and we’ll go from there,” Fodi explained.
All archers are required to follow Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, ensuring that hunting is conducted safely and responsibly. The borough will also monitor the program’s impact on the deer population, though Fodi acknowledged that baseline population data is limited.
Community reaction
The program has sparked a lively debate among Oakmont residents. Lisa Reilly, a longtime homeowner, called the approach a “sledgehammer response to a little fly‑swatter problem,” questioning whether hunting is necessary without concrete population numbers. Her son, Sean Reilly, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I feel terrible. They’re innocent creatures.”
Other residents, such as Frank Ledonne, support the measure, citing safety concerns. “It’s unfortunate that they have to put the deer down, but they’re definitely overpopulated here in Oakmont. They congregate in the street every night at dusk, and in the morning they almost get hit by cars,” Ledonne said. He noted that deer frequently cross the main boulevard and pedestrian trails, creating real risks for walkers and drivers.
Petition and next steps
In response to the program, a petition has gathered dozens of signatures urging the borough to halt the archery initiative. The petition reflects the community’s desire for alternative solutions, such as increased education on coexisting with wildlife or non‑lethal population controls.
Fodi emphasized that the borough will continue to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and remain open to community feedback. “We had to deal with it,” he said, underscoring the borough’s commitment to public safety while respecting the concerns of residents who value the local wildlife.
What residents can expect
For now, the approved archers will begin hunting under the program’s guidelines, and the borough will track any changes in deer‑related incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police and to stay informed through borough communications.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
