By M.J. Stafford mstafford@ observertoday.com FREDONIA — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says hunting is definitely allowed in the village of Fredonia. Village officials are considering options for thinning a deer overpopulation, and bow hunting is one of them. Some residents have wondered whether hunting is legal inside village limits and the OBSERVER asked the DEC to clarify. “Hunting in the village is allowed by state law and DEC regulations, subject to limitations in existing law including discharge setback limits from structures,” according to Jeremy Hurst, a big game biologist with the DEC. “Local ordinances may affect firearm discharge within the village,” he added. Fredonia does have a law prohibiting the discharge of firearms. Chapter 147, section 1 of its charter states, “The discharge of any firearms or discharge of any firecrackers or fireworks within the Village of Fredonia is prohibited, unless specifically permitted by the laws of the state of New York.” Hurst went on to say, “If the village is considering a program to reduce deer abundance through a special permit issued by DEC, we would work with them to understand options and potential outcomes.” The discussion has piqued interest across the village — and nationwide. A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals representative from Maryland enailed the OBSERVER last week to criticize urban hunting. On the flip side, a hunter from Arkansas wrote in a private email that he and his organization could come to Fredonia and conduct bow hunting, if village officials desired it. “I’m really surprised by the response this conversation has generated, both positive and generated,” said Jon Espersen, the village trustee who initially brought up the deer problem at an April meeting.