Normally, the review process takes 100 days, according to Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Tim Daly. However, Daly said the department hasn't ruled on the application because it's been waiting for the conservancy to file additional requested paperwork.

The conservancy did not respond to calls for comment.

The conservancy previously said it planned to hire sharpshooters from the Connecticut-based nonprofit White Buffalo Inc. The group would use AR-15-style rifles with non-lead bullets, to avoid poisoning natural scavengers.

Some carcasses would remain where they fall, while those closer to Avalon and roadsides would be removed.

Mule deer were introduced to the island in the 1930s as a game species for hunting, according to the conservancy.

The conservancy reviewed six potential plans for deer removal, including fencing, aerial sharpshooting, recreational hunting, the introduction of natural predators, relocation and sterilization and the use of chemical contraceptives.

Each option was evaluated on seven values, including minimizing the impact on ecology and deer's suffering, team safety and how quickly it could be accomplished.

Grades ranged from poor to excellent. Aerial sharpshooting was the only option that earned at least a "good" grade on the seven values, with fencing and hunting earning four "fair" designations or higher.

Aerial sharpshooting was listed as the top option because it's "efficient" for eliminating large numbers of deer over a short amount of time, according to the conservancy.

The main drawbacks included the loud sounds of gunfire, which could distress wildlife and local residents.

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