Bowhunters begin hunt in St. Paul park

Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul will be closed today through Wednesday for a permitted deer hunt aimed at reducing the park's deer population.

The city has asked trained archers with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base to help thin out the deer.

While the bowhunting group has partnered with Ramsey County and other localities, it's the first time they will bring their skills to a St. Paul city park.

Parks and recreation spokesman Brad Meyer said some residents are not happy with the idea of allowing hunting in an urban park. But he said the Highland Park neighborhood initiated the plan.

"It's one of those deals where you're always going to have a little bit of negative. But ultimately this was called upon by the neighborhood. We just in turn helped facilitate it," Meyer said.

Meyer said neighbors have complained that the deer are destroying private gardens and are colliding with cars.

Another deer hunt in Crosby Park is scheduled for November 3 through the 5.

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