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Back in January, the National Park Service was making some noise about hatching a plan to cut down the number of deer populating Rock Creek Park. But now, it seems that Bambi’s time has come.

On May 1, NPS officials approved a plan to use both lethal and non-lethal measures to reduce Rock Creek Park’s deer population, the Post reports. White-tail deer sightings reached an all-time high in 2011, with more than 80 deer per square mile in the four square mile park.

That many deer is taking a toll on the park’s landscape and vegetation, with the critters munching their way through the greenery. Chief Park Ranger Nick Bartolomeo told WTOP that the current deer population is about four times as large as Rock Creek Park can handle:

He further explains the deer are “eating all the vegetation that’s trying to come up and as a result we’re not getting any forest generation.” He says the impact would be devastating in 20-30 years.

To that end, some deer will be given contraceptives or be sterilized, while others will be captured and euthanized.

And in late 2012 and early 2013, it’ll be hunting season. Sharpshooters in the employ of the Department of Agriculture will be used to further winnow down the deer population to a more manageable level, according to the NPS plan. The sharpshooters will operate at night, when the park is closed, using high-power, small-caliber rifles or, if permitted, a bow and arrow.

If the plan is a success, NPS estimates this plan could be used for the next 15 years. “This decision will allow us to start restoring native vegetation, protecting the diverse communities of plants and animals that live here, and preserving the natural and cultural resources in Rock Creek Park for this and future generations,” park superintendent Tara Morrison said in a press release.