The Salem City Council has asked for an ordinance to be drawn up for the next meeting that would allow Bow and Arrow hunting in some locations around the city to reduce the deer population. City Manager Rex Barbee explained how the plan would work.
“It has to coincide with the State’s bow seasons. We can restrict it beyond that if we want to. Applications need to be submitted to the City Hall either reviewed by myself or the Animal Control Officer to determine what applications are acceptable and which ones are not.”
Police Chief Sean Reynolds feels the plan is workable if areas of hunting are carefully selected.
“I believe there have been around 48 traffic accidents involving deer in the last 3 years in the city. At least one of those involving one of our squad cars. So they are plentiful anything we can do to help slow the population is probably a good idea at this point.”
Councilman Jim Koehler says the large number of deer have become a nuisance to homeowners who are losing plants and something needs to be done to reduce the numbers.
In other action, the Salem City Council renewed Tri-County Electric’s Franchise for another 20 years and reduced the number of Class “G” Liquor Licenses by one after a planned redevelopment of the former Family Video building on West Main Street fell through.
