Registration with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission for an all-new Urban Archery deer season is now underway. The new Urban Archery deer season will allow qualified bowhunters the chance to hunt an unlimited number of deer within select cities. The cities taking part in this Urban Archery hunt include: Bull Shoals, Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Heber Springs, Helena-West Helena, Horseshoe Bend, Hot Springs Village, Lakeview and Russellville.
The state admits an over abundance of deer in these areas is creating problems for local residents. The department uses special bowhunting opportunities to help control deer densities.
“We need a safe way to hunt deer, and obviously shooting deer in places like that is not safe; that’s why we turn to urban bow hunts,” says Jeff Williams of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Hunters planning to hunt the Urban Archery season must pass a proficiency test to qualify for the opportunity to take part in the hunt.
All participants must complete the International Bowhunter Education Program.
Hunters will also be required to donate the first deer taken on the hunt to the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry program.
“The deer that a hunter harvests in an urban deer hunt are donated to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry,” Williams said. “After that, there’s no limit to the number of deer that can be taken.”
A big congrats to the AGFC on a bold move to increase opportunities for bowhunters while helping overcrowding of deer on local residents.
