In addition to damage to shrubs and plants, Toma and his wife are concerned about an increase in auto accidents due to increasing deer population. Because of their concerns, Toma contacted his commissioner, Tom Castello, to ask him to take steps to curb the township's deer population.

Castello asked Toma if he would be willing to do some investigation on the subject. "Because of all the research I've been doing," said Toma," I've become something of a deer expert."

Toma's research, which included contacting local municipalities with the same problem, led him to Whitetail Management Associates.

Joe McCluskey of WMA was at the Scott commissioners' Aug.12 to tell the commissioners about what they do.

McCluskey explained that the volunteer organization is made up of experienced hunters, with all of them required to pass a proficiency test in archery.

According to the group's Web site, "all members are required to successfully complete either a Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Program (PABE) or a National Bowhunter Education Foundation Course (NBEF) and must prove that they have harvested at least three big game animals with archery equipment prior to the beginning of the archery seasons."

McCluskey said they try to use local people when conducting a hunt since they know the area well. Hunters are in elevated tree stands, and according to McCluskey, most shots are taken from a distance of 20 to 30 yards away from the deer. Hunting takes place from about mid-September to early October for doe only, and from early October to approximately mid November for archery season. The group does not hunt during gun season.

The WMA Web site indicates that they accept no money from local governments or private landowners, and charges no fees for their services. All members are fully insured under a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy and must demonstrate their ability to abide by all regulations. In addition, members undergo a game law and criminal background check before being able to participate in the program. The first and every third deer harvested by WMA members are donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, with the hunters' annual dues paying all processing costs.

When asked by Commissioners Pat Caruso and Jean O'Toole about where the hunting would be conducted, Toma said they were looking at wooded areas with parking areas and ease of access for hunters. Township solicitor Robert McTiernan said he would look into local ordinances to make sure there were no conflicts with state game law.

Commissioner Tom Castello said that if the township were to commit to a hunt, flyers about the activity should be sent to homeowners near the affected areas.

Jane Sorcan of the Scott Conservancy commented after the meeting that she wanted to review information about WMA and to research methods to control the deer population. Sorcan said it's a subject that needs a lot of discussion and education before making a decision.