Rose Reina-Rosenbaum, Hillsborough
Poaching is the act of killing wildlife illegally. In Hillsborough, with all the additional hunting sites available, why is there still poaching going on? Is it for the thrill because they know they can get away with it or is it for another reason?
My family and I have been witnessing this unlawful killing for almost four years now. Since then the areas of poaching have increased to other near by locations. Many of these people are connected with this activity in and around the neighborhood, both adults and teenagers.
To ensure their covert operation, they take turns pick up and dropping off. Even though it appears different vehicles are coming and going, it is the same ones that are involved.
We are located close to fields and the railroad tracks, so to move the deer, they have used fireworks, car horns, shot gun blasts and use whistles to mask the sounds of them moving through the woods. Many people are oblivious to the noises that are used when they signal one another. They use a variety of sounds such as whistles, bird sounds, car horns and knocking.
I once heard a trigger cocked while walking in my backyard at night and have been spot lighted more than once. The Police come out each time we call about the gun shots, but they do not see anyone.
These people are so close to our houses that I have heard them from our window several times talking about taking deer. I once found a significant amount of blood in the woods that a Fish and Wildlife Officer said probably came from a deer. Since that time I have found other physical evidence such a shell from a .22-cal. bullet and many shotgun shells.
I spoke with a couple of other people in town who hear gun shots at night where they live as well.
The police primarily rely upon phone calls and reports to know when something is going on. We all want our community to be safe, so I would urge the residents of Hillsborough to please assist in that effort by helping to be the eyes and ears for the police.
If you see or hear something suspicious, please call local authorities right away, so that they can investigate and stop this activity.
