Ten locations in Ramsey County have been selected for controlled archery deer hunts starting this month, officials announced today.

The hunts are being conducted, the county says, because the deer population has exceeded the recommendations by the state Department of Natural Resources for a healthy deer herd.

The county said the controlled hunts are needed because of the risk of deer/car collisions, the impact deer have on vegetation in parks and on private property.

The hunts start as soon as Sept. 19 and run as late as Nov. 23. The sites are in parkland in Vadnais Heights, Maplewood, St. Paul, White Bear Township, Shoreview and New Brighton.

This year's hunters have already been chosen. Archers interested in future hunts can contact the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base at www.mbrb.org.

PAUL WALSH