Will protesters shed tears for park deer?

Bite Club of KC members aren’t giving up their battle to save the deer in Shawnee Mission Park, but they’re putting down their protest placards for a somber moment tonight.

As early as today, police sharpshooters will begin harvesting hundreds of deer in the Johnson County park, and animal rights activists intend to commemorate their four-legged friends with a gesture more common to mourn murder victims. Starting at 8 p.m., Bite Clubbers will gather for a candelight vigil at the main entrance of Shawnee Mission Park.

“Bring your own candles, signs, flowers and anything else that you think would fit our theme of a memorial for the deer,” Jason Miller, founder of Bite Club, writes in an e-mail to supporters. “We suggest votive candles.” 

That might not be the only activity at the gate, though. Miller also hints: “We have one more big surprise to unleash before the slaughter.” Will it involve a dripping deer head? A road blockade? With Miller, nothing’s inconceivable.