Deer hunters allowed in parts of Duke Forest

DURHAM — Designated hunters from two local clubs will be able to hunt deer in Duke University’s Duke Forest as part of an effort to slow damage that the animals cause.

WRAL-TV reports that researchers estimate there are as many 80 white-tail deer per square mile in parts of the forests. That’s more than four times the recommended number.

Duke researcher Jeff Pippen says the forest is dying because the deer are overrunning it.

Four of six sections of the 7,000-acre forest will be open to hunting Monday through Thursday until Dec. 30 to those designated hunters. No public hunting is allowed.

There’s also no hunting Friday through Sunday or on holidays.

Duke Forest resource manager Judson Edeburn says allowing the hunt was a difficult decision.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)