The city of Oshkosh wants to thin a booming deer herd.

The city is bringing in sharpshooters to help reduce a deer population that officials say is getting too large. Police Sergeant Steve Sagmeister says there are growing worries about safety with deer possibly being forced to cross buys roads while searching for food.

A private firm has been hired and Sagmeister says they have a 100-percent safety rating. Sharpshooters will begin the process on Friday evening in an unpopulated area near the city.

Sagmeister says the city has tried other ways to keep the deer away, but has had little success. He says something needs to be done though, before the herd becomes too large and creates a dangerous situation.

Venison from the shot deer will be donated to local food pantries.

WHBY's Rick Schuh contributed this report.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:00)

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