EAST LANSING - In an effort to control the deer population, Meridian Township will hold a Managed Deer Harvest for the 4th year in a row.

Due to an increased number of problems being caused by deer in the area such as car accidents, destroying landscapes, and over population in residential areas, Meridian Township is allowing qualified hunters to bow hunt during this year's hunting season.

A training session was held for those who wish to hunt.

Hunters were required to take an archery proficiency test, equipment check, and were given a refresher on safety procedures.

"The number one first thing is always going to be safety," said Glen Bennett, Collegiate Certified Archery Coach at Michigan State University. "We want to make sure they're using a tree manufacturers associations tree stand and if they would always wear a safety harness most accidents usually happen going up the tree ladder stand, getting off the stand, and getting out of the stand."

The harvest will run from October 1st to January 1st and is not open to the general public.

If you are interested in hunting this season you can contact Nick Sanchez with Meridian Township Parks and Recreation at (517) 853-4600.