CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. (AP) -- Opponents of a Cape Girardeau ordinance that established an urban deer hunting program say they have enough signatures to put the issue to a vote.

The Southeast Missourian reports the organizer of Keep Cape Safe says more than 3,000 petition signatures are on hand and notarized. Only 2,446 signatures are needed to get a referendum on the ballot.

The City Council in July approved bow hunting of deer inside Cape Girardeau City limits. Last week the council rejected a request to put the deer hunts to a public vote, prompting opponents to begin the petition drive.

The hunt is scheduled to begin September 15th. Supporters say it is needed to cull a deer population that is causing traffic accidents and ruining landscaping inside the city.

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