Mar 8, 2016 By Harry Funk 3 min read

Those who seek detailed information about the sharpshooting phase of Mt. Lebanon’s deer management program most likely will have to wait until its completion.

“Basically, it’s a safety consideration,” Susan Morgans, municipal spokeswoman, said. “We don’t want people gathering anywhere near where the hunt is taking place.”

The municipality has contracted with White Buffalo Inc., the organization that conducted an archery hunt from September through January, to follow up using rifles with the goal of harvesting up to 150 deer, at an estimated cost of $80,750.

“The baiting has concluded,” Morgans said. “The sharpshooters have been told they can work any time between Feb. 1 and March 31, provided they follow the guidelines that have been set up for private and public properties.”

White Buffalo sharpshooters are to inform police chief Aaron Lauth or his designee 24 hours in advance of where they plan to operate on a given day. They also must report to Douglas Bergman, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation officer, as per the special-use deer control/political subdivision permit issued by the commission.

Bergman said he first was notified Feb. 25.

“They notify me on a daily basis as to whether on not they’re planning on working that night,” he explained.

Sharpshooting through the municipal program is taking place on selected private properties – about four to six are involved, according to Morgans – and on public land at McNeilly Park, Mt. Lebanon Golf Course, and Robb Hollow Park and the adjacent public works area. Certified wildlife biologists and professional field technicians are conducting the cull.

“If they were planning to hunt on a particular piece of property and notice people in that area, they will change the plan for the day,” Morgans said. “This is their profession. They are not going to do anything to jeopardize their professional credibility.”

As with the archery hunt, in which more than 100 deer were taken, statistics will be provided following the conclusion of sharpshooting. The Game Commission permit extends through March 31, but the effort could end earlier if the goal of 150 deer is met.

Morgans said that anyone who wants to speak to a police officer is asked to call 911.

A resident did report gunshots, she said, but police investigated and ascertained that the noise was not caused by anyone involved with the municipal program.

Under the program’s guidelines, sharpshooting can take place between 4 and 11 p.m. on private property. On public land, the hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday only.

At the Mt. Lebanon commissioners’ January discussion session, Anthony DeNicola, White Buffalo president, compared the archery and sharpshooting efforts.

“The methods we can deploy allow us to be much more efficient in our ability,” he said about the latter. “So what they accomplished in four months, we can probably do in 10 to 14 days.”