NEWARK, Ohio -- Officials at the Newark Heath Licking County Airport said they had to obtain a special permit to help with the deer population.

Flight student Eric Spangler said that while he has only logged two flights, he has already seen what has become a familiar sight at the airport, NewsChannel5's partner ONN reported.

"The sun wasn't up yet, but there were deer out on the runway," Spangler said.

The runways at the airport are covered in grass and surrounded by forests.

"We've had a few incidents where planes are coming in at critical times and here comes a deer or two or a small herd," said Aviation Works President George Fackler.

Due to erosion, there is a large gap under a fence at the airport, giving deer easy access to the runways.

Pilot Jeff Furay said there is no way to control the deer once they are on the runways.

"The pilots coming in and out have had some close calls," Furay said. "We've even seen one pilot had to abort takeoff."

Licensed hunters chosen by the airport are now permitted to bow-hunt on the property.

"We don't want to turn this into a hunting ground," Fackler said. "This is a safety issue."

The hunters, who are volunteering their time, cannot keep the meat or antlers from the animals, ONN reported.

"They understand the problem and are willing to assist the aviation community," Fackler said.