Weston Considers Bow Hunting To Control Deer Population

WESTON (CBS) – Weston residents who are hoping to control the deer population are asking the town to consider bringing in bow hunters.

The Conservation Commission wants to let the hunters go after deer on conservation land. They hope that would reduce the population and cases of Lyme disease.

There are an estimated 25 deer per square mile in Weston, roughly triple what the state deems proper for the town.

But not everyone supports bow hunting as the best option. Some residents who live near wooded areas are worried about their safety.

Conservation Commission member Brian Donahue says it would be safe. "The bow hunting is done from stands, the trajectory of the arrow is down, and the effective range is very short," he says.

Opponents of the plan would rather see the town use deer repellent or contraceptive darts to control the population. The Board of Selectmen will vote on the proposal early next month.