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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona wildlife officials say an aerial survey of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve northeast of Scottsdale shows there are stable populations of deer and javelinas in the area.

The Arizona Republic reports the findings of the recent survey could impact decisions on bow hunting in the preserve.

Bow hunting is currently allowed within the preserve, but activists say the sport has the potential to harm hikers or reduce animal populations affected by encroaching development.

Arizona Game and Fish Department supervisor Tim Holt says his department plans to recommend that bow hunting continue.

He says it's still too early to make any official conclusions about animal populations, but that it's the department's opinion that the area's deer population is doing better.

More surveys of the area's wildlife are planned.