SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP (AP) - Western Michigan authorities are planning special deer hunts this fall to reduce what they say is the out-of-control population in an area of Lake Michigan dunes south of Muskegon.

Ottawa County has scheduled four days of deer hunting in the North Ottawa Dunes. The 500-acre property is in Spring Lake Township next to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.

Mlive.com says standard firearm hunters can hunt in the dunes Nov. 17-18, and muzzleloader hunters can hunt Dec. 8-9.

The county says would-be participants must apply by 2 p.m. Oct. 1. The county says it expects many applicants and plans a lottery to pick those who get permits.

A similar hunt is planned at Hoffmaster State Park at the same time.

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