'Save the Deer' group not giving up, legal options considered
The group working to put a stop to Mill Creek Metroparks approved deer culling plan isn't giving up.
While Mill Creek officials say they have the data to show the animals are extremely overpopulated, the group doesn't believe those numbers and wants to save the population. This comes as deer season is slowly approaching and new revelations are unfolding about the legality of the park's hunting plan.
"I think that the park board and Aaron Young have to be held accountable," said Jeff Limbian, Youngstown Law Director.
Frustrations continue as Mill Creek MetroParks plans to move forward with their controlled hunting program to diminish the park's deer population.
"We are not going to compound the situation by allowing the shooting of any kind to happen in the park voluntarily," Limbian said to the crowd Tuesday. "And put more people at risk and frankly the deer, too."
"If they go and shoot, they are breaking the rules if they're going hunting unless they would get the rules changed," said Mickey Drabison, Organizer of 'Save the Deer.'
"One of the things we have to be careful of is that the courts, under our constitution, are not allowed to make advisory decisions." said Attorney Marc Dann to the crowd. "So, there has to be a real controversy going on."
Limbian has made it clear it is illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits. The park is still not formally agreeing to follow those rules. With a lack of trust with the park's Executive Director, Limbian wants something in writing that states there won't be hunting in city limits, essentially putting a stop to the plan. He's heard crickets from park officials.
"The way the current system is set up, there's no accountability," Limbian said. "So, I think we're going to have to work with our legislators to make sure an entity with that much money and that much land is answerable to the people."
With similar laws restricting hunting in towns including Struthers and Sebring, it's possible a lawsuit from the cities along with safety concerns could put a wrench in the park's plans.
Our crews reached out to the Mill Creek Metroparks board for updates on hunting within city limits and we have not heard back.