LENEXA, Kan. – Later this year, trained sharpshooters and bow hunters will take aim in Shawnee Mission Park. Their goal will be to reduce an overpopulation of deer.
The Johnson County Park and Recreation Commissioners unanimously agreed to a plan that is expected to reduce the park’s herd from 200 deer per square mile down to 50.
Before the vote, the commissioners heard opinions on both sides of the heated debate. Several speakers supported the approved plan because of concerns about lyme disease, deer-vehicle accidents, and property damage.
However, other speakers pleaded with the board to find a non-lethal method of reducing the population, equating the recommended plan to the “slaughter of innocent animals”. Park officials said some of those options would more expensive.
The first controlled hunt will be held in the fall. The park will be closed as trained sharpshooters from law enforcement agencies harvest the deer. Some of the meat will be processed and donated to area food shelters.
After a survey of the population, bow hunters will be called in if the population remains too large.
