I also posed the question of the possibility of
Knox/Marcellus/Puddlers Marshes being closed on Saturday to hunting to
refuge management and staff. Below are excerpts of their response
which illustrates the reasoning behind the decisions to allow hunting
and birding for the Muckrace.
_____________________________________________________________________
“We actually do not have as much capacity to modify rules/dates as
you think. In order to do so, it has to be justified and approved in
our Hunting and Fishing Plan. Otherwise, we have to follow state
regulations. If conflict does occur (not assumed that it will occur),
then our Manager has the discretion to close an area if needed.
We understand that some people are uncomfortable with sharing the
area with hunters, but in the eyes of the state, and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, that is not a valid justification to close an area
to hunting. We had to fight not to become completely open to hunting,
which is done on other refuges (Iroquois is a good example; they are
open to hunting/multiple use much more widely than we are).
The Knox-Marsellus and Puddler Marshes are areas generally closed to
the public, except for hunting, which again, is in our Hunting and
Fishing Plan and overall management plan. We have responded to
birders' requests for access into those areas by offering the guided
shorebird walks and by opening the dikes to the Muckrace. This is a
privilege we have extended under special circumstances.
If we chose not to open Knox & Puddler to multiple use this weekend,
then it is highly likely that we would have to close it to non-hunters
based on our approved management plans. We do NOT want to do that! And
we do not see a reason that would be needed. Multiple use occurs on
state lands all around us. DEC statistics show a downward trend of
hunting-related injuries and the majority of those injuries are
self-inflicted by the hunters themselves. We cannot say that multiple
use is unsafe.
We CAN notify groups that the multiple uses are occurring. We can
offer advice to wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink; hunters
are required to do so. We can offer our supply of fluorescent orange
vests to Muckrace participants. And we have done all of that.
Further, this September hunt is an effort by the state to improve
deer management in order to protect habitat and to create conditions
for healthier herds. We support and use deer hunting as a management
tool. The overpopulation of deer disrupts bird and other wildlife
habitat from the ground to mid-canopy.
Just FYI, I will be at the Visitor Center on Saturday from 10 am to 3
or 4 pm. Also, our Federal Officer, Tom Wolabough, will be here for
the weekend and is aware of both the Muckrace and the September deer
hunt. I am not sure which state officer will be around; I think JT
Rich. So if there is conflict, notify Tom. His number is 757-894-8048
(his number will be on the signs I will put up at the check station
and at the visitor center letting people know that hunting and the
Muckrace are both occurring).”
_____________________________________________________________________
Again, please take proper safety precautions while participating in
the Muckrace and be aware that you are sharing space with hunters.
Wearing blaze orange is recommended and there will be vests available
for use at the MAC. We look forward to an enjoyable and successful
event!
Kyle Gage
(Acting) President FOTMWC
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