An abundance of white-tailed deer on Jekyll Island has made the critters a sort of tourist attraction, but a recent survey suggests there may be too many on the island state park.

The Jekyll Island Authority this month ordered its conservation manager to take a close look at the deer population. A report by the Department of Natural Resources said the island may have nearly three times more deer than it can support.

The DNR also recommended Jekyll Island might allow bow hunting or hire professional sharpshooters to thin the herd. That's stunned residents such as Bonnie Newell, who said hunting clashes with Jekyll's commitment to conservation.

Jekyll Island spokesman Eric Garvey said other alternatives will likely be considered before any hunts are allowed.

Tags: Jekyll Island, Jekyll Island Authority, deer hunting, deer