To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

EMERALD ISLE, N.C. -- A Crystal Coast community will soon begin a controlled hunt to reduce the deer population. Bow hunters selected by the town of Emerald Isle will be operating from Jan. 17 through the end of February.

The hunting will happen at areas around Coast Guard Road, including Emerald Isle Woods park and in three privately-owned neighborhoods.

Emerald Isle resident Sherry Kaminski says the overpopulation of deer can be dangerous.

"They're just constantly out in the roads," she said. "Several near misses. Actually two nights ago I almost hit one right down the street from my house."

The town estimates the population has grown to over 170 deer and says that could also pose some dangers like tick-borne diseases and thousands of dollars in damage to landscaping.

Town manager Frank Rush says the decision to carry out the controlled hunt was taken very seriously.

"This is only the second time that we've done a controlled hunt," he said. "There have been some years where the board felt comfortable with where the population was. We're trying to do this in a logical and rational manner. Obviously it's an emotional issue for people on both sides."

The 13 bow hunters chosen by the town to conduct the controlled hunt all have law enforcement backgrounds or are members of the North Carolina Bow Hunters Association.