OXFORD (AP) — It’s deer season in the city of Oxford.

Residents have complained for years that deer tear up their gardens and landscapes.

‘‘With so many people on their scooters and riding bikes now, it is a matter of time before we have a tragedy,’’ Mayor Pat Patterson said.

He met Friday with about 20 local hunters he chose to go after the deer.

The city’s state bow-hunting permit runs through Oct. 7, he said.

‘‘This ain’t a trophy hunt,’’ said Bruce Jenkins, a law enforcement officer for Department of Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. ‘‘Shoot whatever comes by — babies, mamas. The hunt is on a permit issued by the state, so we are not here to hunt horn; we are just here to kill deer and that’s it.’’

This week, they’re limited to city property and to the Grand Oaks area, which has given permission for the hunts.