This is an official statement from the Park Superintendent Brion FitzGerald regarding the alleged slaying of numerous deer at Caneel Bay Resort:
NPS did not kill any deer at Caneel Bay today or since I have been on the island.
Here is what I can tell you, however my information is very dated as we have not heard a word from Caneel Bay on this for many months. Back in the spring a number of deer at Caneel Bay became grossly infested with ticks — to the point where many had their faces completely covered with ticks and were exhibiting signs of poor health.
At one time we received a report from Caneel Bay that a deer had died pretty close to one of the guest rooms and had to be removed. We had park staff consult with Caneel Bay and provide advice on whom they might contact to discuss a reduction in the population on the property. We put them in touch with the USDA APHIS folks — they conduct wildlife management actions in parks and on other governmental properties all around the country.
That information was provided to them many months ago and we have not heard a word from Caneel Bay since. We did know that they were considering a reduction but were not consulted on the when, where, how or any other aspect of it. They do not have to consult with us on this as per their deed.