Bow Hunters Cull Deer at Binghamton University Campus

Deer hunters are thinning the herd at Binghamton University Vestal campus for a few mornings.

B.U. is allowing a controlled bow hunt for a selected group of sports-people, closing the nature preserve from 5 a.m. to noon daily through December 19.

The deer population on the Vestal campus has long been an issue.  Officials say there should be under two dozen of the animals calling the nature preserve home but that number is believed to be more like 250, putting a stress on the forest and posing a safety hazard to the campus and surrounding community.

Campus police cordon off the entrances and exits to the Nature Preserve during the hours of the hunt.