Some residents of a Bergen County town say that they are concerned about town officials giving permission for hunters to hunt deer on private property.

Saddle River borough officials allowed a deer hunt as a way to cull the deer population in order to protect the town from tick-borne illnesses and road hazards.

But most of the property in town is privately owned. So town officials sent out letters asking homeowners for permission to have hunters hunt on their property.

A few hundred homes agreed to allow hunting – but neighbors of those homes say they are concerned.

“A deer at any moment, if you shoot it, it could, from adrenaline along, could take off and go into anyone’s backyard and God forbid you have children playing outside,” says resident Juan Garcia.

Garcia says he is worried that police may have to come by and put the deer out of its misery if it doesn’t die right away. He says that he is also concerned about arrows from bow hunters soaring into his house.

"Safety is the paramount concern, which is why myself, the representative from the police department and the bow hunters are personally examining every property,” says Borough Administrator Jerry Giaimis.

Officials say that within a week and a half 20 deer have been killed. They say that when 40 have been hunted, they plan to reassess the hunt.

The state rejected a plan to capture and sterilize deer, claiming there's not enough evidence it'll work.  

And Saddle River officials tell News 12 New Jersey that they are not even sure if the hunt will work to control the population. 

Some residents say that Saddle River Mayor Albert Kurpis has gone back on his promise to protect deer.

Mayor Kurpis was not available to comment Friday.