Deer Hunting Proposed At Eagle Creek Park

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An ecologist and state wildlife officials are recommending that deer hunting be allowed in the park along Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis.

A study by Purdue University ecologist Michael Jenkins found that plants in the city-owned Eagle Creek Park showed severe damage caused by deer. Deer hunts have been conducted in state parks over the past 20 years to control their populations, but hunting is prohibited in all Indianapolis parks.

City spokesman Scott Manning tells The Indianapolis Star that a decision to allow hunting in the 3,900-acre park would follow significant discussions with park users and nearby residents.

Indiana Animal Rights Alliance director Joel Kerr says he's skeptical about the study's findings of deer overpopulation since it didn't count the number of deer in the park