POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- A group of neighbors who live near Vassar College's farm and ecological preserve are trying to block a planned deer cull in court, but time is quickly running out on the deer and their appeal.

The cull takes place by January 20th unless a state court of appeals rules that Vassar College must undergo a SEQR review.

"Save Our Deer" is a local non-profit organization dedicated to stopping the baiting and killing of dozens of deer on Vassar's ecological preserve. The college says the deer are destroying the fragile eco-system on the more than 500 acre outdoor space.

This will be the second cull for the college after more than 60 deer were killed in 2010.

"Save Our Deer" says the process is inhumane and Sunday, members will gather to honor the deer in a vigil. It's set for 1 p.m. at the corner of Raymond Avenue and Collegeview.