SAN ANTONIO -- The deer removal process in Hollywood Park is once again stirring up emotion among some who live there.

In years past, city officials tried netting the deer, and while the city chose a more humane method this year, some residents said they are still angry.

Some said they don't want the deer in their back yards; others said they want them left alone.

"They had to remove some. They had to because we'd be elbow to elbow with deer if they hadn't," said Hollywood Park Human Society president Cherie Emick.

Emick has long fought to keep the deer, but now she said she realizes too many could be dangerous for drivers.

She said she agrees with the city's method to remove them with tranquilizer darts.

"That causes no screaming and less injury to the animal," Emick said.

But Emick said she questions where and when trappers fire the darts.

"Every single one of our easements are being used as a hunting area, and tranquilizer darts are flying at night. They can't account for every single one of them," Emick said.

According to police reports, a 10-year-old girl found a dart in a yard recently.

"It will take down a huge buck, and it will kill a child. It can send them to the hospital," Emick said.

Police Lt. Joe Quintero said he admits trappers lost three darts, but he said all were found within a few days.

"Sure, one dart injuring a child is too many, but we haven't had that case yet," Quintero said.

Quintero said trappers tranquilize at night because residents against deer removal don't interfere with them, and he said it's safer.

"At night, there's less traffic and less chance of the animal and any of the citizens getting hurt," he said.

Police said people complaining might not want deer removed at all.

"The safety of the kids is the genuine concern of everyone -- including us. We're here to keep the public safe, but yes, it could be the other way. I think they're making a mountain out of a molehill," Quintero said.

Police said more than 400 homeowners signed authorization forms that allow trappers to shoot the darts on their property.

They said Texas parks and wildlife game wardens have said the city's deer removal process is legal and safe.