Long Island Residents Square Off Over New Hunting Rules

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - New deer hunting regulations in one Long Island town are pitting neighbor against neighbor.

As CBS2's Gusoff reported, the controversy began when the Town of Huntington approved hunting with bows and arrows to thin the growing deer population. Through the end of January, hunters are allowed within 150 feet of the closest home, owner approval permitting.

Asharoken resident Cindy Gavel is opposed to the new rules. She recently saw a male deer, shot with an arrow, leap over a fence before dying on her property.

"This is not safe," said Gavel. "There is not enough property here for this to happen."

Despite her objections, hunters have set up tree stands on the adjoining property less than 100 feet from her own.

Next door, neighbor Kathy Affrunti welcomes hunters to her yard even after Lyme disease made its way around her family.

"It's not just Lyme disease," she said. "Just this morning I had three deer run out in front of my car."

"This happens on a regular basis," she added.

Villages within the town are able to make their own rules. Gavel and others are hoping to petition Asharoken to put an end to what they call an inhumane non-solution.

"They suffer and are in pain," said fellow anti-hunting resident Nadine Dumser. "It's dangerous for everyone living here."

Nearby Eatons Harbor homeowners lobbied for the hunt in the first place.

Homeowners Association President Joe DeRossi says the hunt is going well, and insists that the hunt is about the safety of the community rather than the recreational sport of hunting.

A town spokesperson tells CBS2 that the board voted to allow the hunt after weighing safety issues and will consider a change if warranted.