The Deer Hunter

For future reference, when flying out of Flint's Bishop Airport, or even going anywhere near it, always wear hunter's orange, or a 1972 Powers High School graduation gown.

The Detroit News reports:

"A public safety officer trying to shoot a deer on the grounds of Flint's Bishop International Airport fired a shot that went astray and whizzed by workers at a nearby business.

"Airport Director James L. Rice tells The Flint Journal the airport is developing new rules on how and when wildlife will be cleared from airport property following the shooting the afternoon of July 18.

"Rice says he's apologized, and the airport may limit shoots during local business hours.

"United Auto Workers Local 659 shop chairman Jack Cannon was outside auto parts supplier Android Industries with other workers at the time of the shooting. He says workers thought someone was trying to kill them.

"Wildlife such as deer at the airport are considered a safety hazard for flights."

Too many deer, not enough people

I've already written about the strangely rural qualities Flint seems to be exhibiting as the population drops, as well as the increasing popularity of community supported agriculture in the Vehicle City. Now comes word that the Genesee County parks commissioners have approved deer hunting in some county parks.

"We are looking at some form of managed hunt to get the deer population under control. But right now open hunting is not one of the options we're considering," said parks Director Amy McMillan. "For us, it's not about the recreational aspect of hunting. It's about wildlife management. And it's not about to hunt or not to hunt. It's about protecting the environment."