Local News
Controlled deer hunt ends in Duke Forest
Officials said the hunt was needed to slow down the damage from a surging deer population.
A controversial deer hunt in Duke University's Duke Forest ended Tuesday.
Duke opened four of six sections of the 7,000-acre forest in mid-September to designated bow and gun hunters from two local clubs.
Officials said the hunt was needed to slow down the damage from a surging deer population, which was hindering efforts of Duke students to use the forest for research. Officials estimated there were as many as 80 white-tail deer per square mile in parts of the forest, which was more than four times the recommended number.
About 70 deer were killed in the forest during the hunt, which was opposed by people who use the forest for exercise. Officials said no injuries were reported during the hunt.
