Redding

The town places to bring in experienced bow hunters to help control a growing deer population.

Town officials say they must take aggressive action to reduce the herd because deer are damaging forests with their eating habits, carrying the tick that causes Lyme disease and getting hit by motor vehicles in growing numbers.

"It is hoped that by culling the deer number back, we will see a reduction in these areas," said First Selectman Natalie Ketcham.

The Redding decision came after a year of study by the town's Conservation Commission.

No date has as yet been set for the

hunt, but it will be a bow hunt only

and will take place this year, Ketcham said. The hunt will take place only on property owned by the town or jointly owned by the town and the Nature

Conservancy.