CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Cape Girardeau is one step closer to allowing deer hunting within city limits.

The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday approved a proposal to allow regulated bow hunting in the city but the controversy is unlikely to end soon.

A final vote is scheduled July 2 but the Southeast Missourian reports the outcome is unlikely to change.

A group opposed to the deer hunt plans to put the issue to a citywide vote.

Cape Friends of Wildlife says it  say residents would be in danger from the hunts, which would make the city a target for lawsuits.

Supporters say the city needs to thin the deer herd to reduce damage to landscapes and curb deer-related traffic accidents.