A Pelham couple wants the provinces Natural Resources Ministry to reconsider a decision to allow an aboriginal deer hunt in Short Hills Provincial Park.

The Ministry announcing the nature preserve would be closed for the next two weekends to allow for an aboriginal only deer hunt.

But the Zavitz family, whose property backs Short Hills, have launched an online petition to end the planned hunt arguing for 40 years the park has been a sanctuary and safe haven for wildlife.

The Ministry however points out under terms of the Indian Act, aboriginal groups have a treaty right to hunt for food and for ceremonial purposes.

A Ministry official adds that the hunt will be limited to the southeast corner of the park which has the least development and fewest trails.

Jolanta Kowalski says they expect between 15 and 20 hunters each day and there will be no guns involved.

Kowalski particpants will use bow and arrows which will also make it harder for the hunters to kill the deer.

While there are no limits to how many deer can be taken she says the organizors have been asked to keep track of how many animals are killed.

Short Hills will be closed this weekend and next from just before sunrise until just after sunset for the hunt.