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MERRIAM, KAN. -
Sharpshooters have killed 313 deer in a Johnson County park where officials say the deer population is three times higher than they would like.
Shawnee Mission Park spokesman Randy Knight says the first phase of the deer harvest took place over four days last week. The goal was to thin the herd from an estimated 200 per square mile down to about 50.
The operation was conducted at night outside of regular park hours. Law enforcement sharpshooters culled the deer with the help of a wildlife biologist and a senior scientist from White Buffalo Inc.
Knight says deer meat will be tested and then go to needy families through Harvesters' Community Food Network. The hides will go to the Elks' Veterans Leather Program.
Shawnee Mission Park spokesman Randy Knight says the first phase of the deer harvest took place over four days last week. The goal was to thin the herd from an estimated 200 per square mile down to about 50.
The operation was conducted at night outside of regular park hours. Law enforcement sharpshooters culled the deer with the help of a wildlife biologist and a senior scientist from White Buffalo Inc.
Knight says deer meat will be tested and then go to needy families through Harvesters' Community Food Network. The hides will go to the Elks' Veterans Leather Program.
