YOUNGSTOWN — Twenty-five more deer were killed in the Mill Creek MetroParks over the last three weeks by hunters selected through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources lottery system. Most deer were taken using firearms, according to the latest data.

The number of deer killed by hunters was eight the week starting Dec. 8, 10 the week starting Dec. 15 and seven the week starting Dec. 22, a total of 25, according to the data. Six of the 25 were taken using archery, according to the data, four the first week, none the second week and two the third week.

Nick Derico, Mill Creek MetroParks natural resources manager, stated in an email that the 25 deer killed in the last three weeks brings the total to 153 this season.

Another 75 were removed by U.S. Department of Agriculture-employed sharpshooters in Mill Creek Park on two dates in October, bringing the total number killed by hunters and sharpshooters this season to 228.

The total number of deer removed from the MetroParks last season through hunting and sharpshooting was 204.

Derico noted that Sunday was the last day for firearm hunts in the Mill Creek MetroParks for this year, but there will still be archery hunts in Hitchcock and Huntington Woods, both in Boardman, through Jan. 25.

Derico has said that firearm hunts took place this year on Saturdays and Sundays in the following parks: Collier Preserve, Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Springfield Forest, Hawkins Marsh, Vickers Nature Preserve and Sawmill Creek Preserve. Archery hunts take place on more days than Saturdays and Sundays, according to the data.

The MetroParks has indicated the deer reductions are needed because of damage to vegetation resulting from an overpopulation of deer, but deer supporters filed legal action to stop the program.

Ongoing litigation is pending.