John Sullivan, Indiana Department of Natural Resources officer, Monday presented the city council the possibility of conducting a deer hunt within Warsaw city limits.

Mayor Ernie Wiggins said before Sullivan's speech that the presentation was merely for factual evidence on previous hunting situations in the state, and that no formal decision would be made during the meeting.

In his speech, Sullivan stressed safety precautions if a hunt were to take place.

"If the city were to allow a hunt, the main actions that have to take place are a proper announcement of the hunt and the city must allow only certified hunters into the area."

Sullivan also suggested limiting the amount of ammunition for the hunters, saying the safest means of extraction would be to restrict hunters to carry only muzzle-loading weapons. This would prevent rapid fire by hunters and decrease the chance of dangerous ricochet in the city. Tree stands were encouraged to lessen this as well.

"Where do we draw the line? The problem with tree stands is the range of area that could be affected," councilman Charles Smith said. "If a gun is raised and fired while on the stand, then someone could easily be hurt. If something like that were to occur, that's an idea I can't live with."

Sullivan explained the lack of results of archery hunting from previous experience, and stated that, though safer than firearms, not much would be solved with only bow and arrows.

As many as 15 residents of Springhill Acres subdivision expressed the need for the hunt, explaining that the surplus of deer resulted in property damage, safety hazards for children and manure problems for all in the neighborhood.

No attendant spoke out against the idea of a controlled hunt within the subdivision.

During the projected hunt, Sullivan emphasized the need for increased security around the area, and offered to supply officers from the DNR to help the police department patrol the neighborhood. [[In-content Ad]]