Park officials in Rochelle met in special session yesterday evening as they again talked about the deer population at Skare Park.
Several area residents who live near the park believe the population has increased over the past years. They have suffered thousands of dollars in damages to their trees and plants due to the deer.
Other residents who live near the park say that the numbers have decline.
Park Board President Roger Bunger said that it's a tough decision to make at the present time. He said they still do not know the exact numbers of deer in the park.
Park officials heard a presentation from Byron Forest Preserve Executive Director Todd Tucker about their bow hunting season for deer. They have a lottery for a 2-yer permit involving the hunters who stay around 15 yards from private property.
Tucker said that they have had no injuries since the program began 4 years ago.
Bunger said that he does not feel right about having hunters in Skare Park at the present time. Area residents use the trails along with the disc golf course and the driving range.
Bunger said he does not expect the bow hunting season in the near future at Skare Park if the board approves the program.