SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah wildlife officials are seeking public input for a proposal to legalize the hunting of crows in the state.

Division of Wildlife Resources spokesman Mark Hadley says the state's crow population has been growing and starting to damage fruit crops.

Hadley says officials believe a hunt could help reduce the population and mitigate some problems.

He says many surrounding western states already have crow hunts.

The Utah Wildlife Board will hold public meetings around the state to take comments starting in May and will make a final decision about the hunt in June.

If approved, the hunts could start as early as this fall.