As hunting season approaches it seemed appropriate to share information (abbreviated version) written by Bryan E. Burgin, THE CATSKILL DEER PARK. It was written for the 1973 State of N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation.
Mr. Burgin explained how the Catskills’ environment changed for numerous reasons into a hardwood forest with openings for small self-sufficient farms. He said as wildlife appeared it was quickly reduced to food. “Deer, because of their size, were particularly sought after, wild meat was free and domestic meat was scarce.” He said an 1887 report stated that hunting is confined chiefly to grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and such small game. Deer was rarely seen. Burgin said the last of the deer were killed back in 1875 when a rough winter of crusted snow made it easy for pot hunters (illegal) to kill large numbers of deer, from which the hides were taken and the carcasses left to rot in the woods.” Burgin said at that time, they believed not more than a dozen deer were in the whole Catskill region.
In 1887 the Legislature passed a law appropriating $5,000 (about $165.000.00 today) to purchase the deer and three tracks of land, the the size being determined by the Forest Commission. The records find one park being established and located in the town of Shandaken. It spoke of the difficulty in obtaining deer and other wildlife but when purchased, they would be sent there.
The 10’ high fence enclosed the 100-acre wooded area. Close by was a caretaker’s lodge, bringing the cost to just under $4,000.
By 1890 the report showed progress, “For the purchase of deer, wages of the park keeper, fodder and sundry minor expenses, $1,231.83 was expended. A thriving herd of beautiful deer are now in the park and are breeding rapidly, the numerous fawns being a noticeable feature of the herd.”
During 1889 and ’90, 45 deer were trapped by dogs in the Adirondacks, crated, and shipped by train to Shandaken, near Big Indian. From the train they were transported by wagons, bringing the cost of each deer to about $20.00.
Colonel Fox urged at that time to bring additional deer to the Catskills. He said by doing this within 7 years everyone will applaud the wisdom of the experiment. He said the forest area of the Catskills could support 15,000 deer.
Hunting Season on the Mt. Top. Most girls who graduated from HTC school worked at Warm’s Restaurant at one time or another. Hunting season was huge on the Mountain Top. Julius and Nathan Warm, and later Steve and Holly Yager, would open the front doors at 4:00 am and they’d be packed with men (mostly) in orange jackets. The tips would make sure the employees came back the following year!
Take care of yourselves, enjoy the foliage, and stay safe.
Dede Terns-Thorpe/Town of Hunter Historian
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