Dozens of hunters are taking part in a controlled deer hunt at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Massachusetts, in what state officials say is meant to help ecological growth and manage overpopulation.
This is the second year for the controversial controlled hunt. Close to 120 hunters will be taking part, hunting in just over half of the reservation.
But “Friends of the Blue Hills Deer” condemn the second hunt.
They have been vocal in their disagreement and citing safety concerns and insufficient studies on the impact and need, and think there are better ways to control the population.
They are also against the decision this year to allow bow and arrow hunting, saying that it is the cruelest way to kill an animal.
There will be a total of four days of hunting beginning Tuesday.
Each hunter can take up to four deer per hunt.
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State wildlife and conservation officials say the initial decision to allow controlled hunts was made after an extensive study of the deer population, the impact on the ecosystem and on the nearby human population with concerns like Lyme disease.
State biologists say officials explored all options including capture and release, fencing, contraception and sterilization.
They are surveying the effects of last year's hunt, where 64 deer were killed.
Friends of the Blue Hills Deer will be holding a protest and vigil later Tuesday afternoon.
