MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Residents looking for a way to help in the deer culling process now have a way to do so.

Those who own at least 5 acres in the nine township area where the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of Agriculture are testing for Chronic Wasting Disease can get a permit to capture deer on their property. They must have completed a hunter safety course in order to get a permit. DRN Wildlife Veterinarian Dan O'brien says while private property owners can keep part of the deer, they still need the heads.

They can keep the carcasses for consumption or for donation, but we need to get the heads for testing," O'Brien said. "This allows us to test deer from areas we might not be able to get to because they are privately owned."

In the meantime, culling of deer continues in township-owned properties. As of July 31st, 377 total deer have been tested for CWD, with three testing positive. Meridian Township Police Lieutenant Greg Frenger says that the culling that takes place in those areas is being handled by trained sharpshooters.

"They're very much aware of the public concerns and public safety issues, so they're certainly alerting folks that they're out there," Frenger said. "They aren't hiding in the bushes. They're very obvious about who they are and what they're up to."