4-Day Deer Hunt Approved At Blue Hills Reservation

BOSTON (AP) — The state has approved four days of deer hunting at Blue Hills State Reservation.

The "controlled" hunt was announced Wednesday as part of a deer management plan for the 7,000-acre reservation, where officials say the deer population has exploded and is threatening the long-term health of the forest.

Deer hunting has long been outlawed on the reservation.

State biologists estimate there are currently 85 deer per square mile of forest habitat, well above what is deemed a healthy population level.

The dates for the hunt will be Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, taking place during the state's normal shotgun season.

Hunting will be allowed on 3,000 acres of the reservation from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Officials say environmental police will strictly enforce all hunting regulations.