Lakewood considers legalizing deer hunting within city limits

Summary

The city council is considering a controversial proposal, which would legalize deer hunting within the city limits. The city council is considering the proposal this week. Residents claim deer are running amok into residents' yards as well as into the streets.

Story Published: Oct 17, 2007 at 7:03 PM PST

Story Updated: Aug 14, 2008 at 4:05 PM PST

Lakewood considers legalizing deer hunting within city limits
LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- The city council is considering a controversial proposal, which would legalize deer hunting within the city limits.

The city council is considering the proposal this week. Residents claim deer are running amok into residents' yards, as well as into the streets.

One resident got so fed up he pitched the proposal to local leaders -- a bow-and-arrow hunt within the city limits.

Supporters of the idea say it's the most humane way to keep deer off city streets.

"Hunting's a good game management tool. In places where fire arms can't be used... The bow would be the best option for sure," said Tim Brunton.

Opponents of the proposal say the best approach would be to simply leave the deer alone.

"It seemed absurd to me that people would even consider this inside a city," said Debra Christnacht. "To go out and just give somebody permission to just go out and shoot them, kill them, is just unacceptable."

The city council would have to OK the proposal, but a spokesperson told KOMO 4 News that most neighbors seem to be against the idea and that the proposal is unlikely to gain ground with the council.