Southington Considering Allowing Deer Hunting on Watershed

Officials are considering widening the scope of deer hunting allowed on town property to include a 1,400 acre watershed area surrounding the town water department's reservoirs in Southington and Wolcott, according to a Record Journal article.

The water commission is pursuing the idea because of problems with deer overpopulation.

Initially, the article says, the commission planned to open up hunting in the watershed to the public through a lottery but later decided to limit it to water department staff. Staff would be wear identification badges while hunting and would advise trespassers to leave the grounds.

One commissioner expressed concern about teenagers trespassing on the property and possibly getting hurt.

Water Department Superintendent Frederick Rogers said he would consult with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and report back to the commission.