Hunting Fun

As deer population sky rockets within city limits, bow hunting can be very beneficial for both the citizens and their properties, as well as for hunters and their refrigerators. It’s a way to manage the number of deer as well as being a cost-effective program, that if incorporated properly can maintain safety and humane principles.

Deer population steadily increases not only in the countryside and rural communities but also in suburbs/city limits. This increase in deer population in the suburbs/city limits has grown more common now than ever before. Hunting is normally restricted in city limits with the use of guns. It’s against the law to fire a gun within a city limits due to the close proximity of homes and human life. However, bow hunters are a prime commodity because most cities will allow the use of bows within the city limits. A bow doesn’t have a negative cogitation because it doesn’t have that resounding “bang” when shot. Therefore the bow hunter has a less negative image as well.

The increase number of deer within the city limits are due from several reasons. One being a decrease in hunter pressure from predators and humans. The movement patterns of deer are influenced by hunting pressure and their sense of security. If they feel more secure in an environment they will prefer to stay in that location. As the rural areas develop more and more houses, deer to human encounters increase. This leads to the deer’s increase tolerance of humans and decreases their sense of being prey. I can note this as being true due to the fact of my encounters with suburban deer. My house is situated within the city limits but near the city/county line. I encounter deer regularly as I enter or exit my driveway. They are normally grazing in my back yard. I have seen and noticed that they have been as close as 10 feet of my house. They eat the acorns that have fallen from my tree as well as some shrubs next to my house. They really enjoy the presence of a garden during the summer months as well. This type of surrounding environment is very conducive for deer to gather and multiply. These increases can be beneficial for bow hunters in this environment but only if this type of program is implemented.

However, without the approval of this type of program deer consumption of vegetation in gardens as well as landscapes of homes and businesses will increase. The damages and loss of invested time and money can provide a concern. Another concern will be the increase number of deer to automotive collisions which can drive up insurance costs and claims. Thus causing more strain on an individual’s wallet from property damage and increasing cost for repair. So as these cost begin to inflate and affect the general population within the city, the acceptance of this program will be more accepted…..then enter bow hunters.

With the entrance of bow hunters,the deer population should decrease and become manageable numbers. As the numbers of deer decrease it should directly have an effect on number of insurance claims and decrease the amount of investment loss from vegetation in residual and business gardens. If bow hunters are responsible and respective for the community, they can decrease the hunter’s stigma of being uncivilized and heartless individuals. Hunters need to maintain bow concealment during transportation before and after the hunt. This can draw less attention to them if their weapon is concealed. Another way of keeping attention low is the concealment of the deer during it’s removal. Wrap the deer up in a blanket when exiting your hunting area so to be discreet and have a less inhumane appearance.

A bow hunter can meet all these criteria if conducted in an ethical and respective way. Therefore, bow hunting in the suburbs can be a beneficial program that is cost effective to decrease the deer numbers, decrease the damages/loss of personal/city property while meeting the bow hunters needs.



By: Heath K Hylton

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