The Hope City Board of Directors is considering authorizing an “urban deer hunt” to control the deer population within the city. Here’s the rundown on what the City has learned:
Options: An “urban hunt” is one of three possible options, including a state-permitted urban hunt; a City-managed hunt open during state bow hunting season; an ordinance to prohibit feeding deer within the city.
Wide-open spaces: Hope is lacking in large, municipally-owned open spaces, so cooperation of private property owners becomes essential. Adjacent is a map compiled by City GIS Coordinator Darrel Allen showing potential property where hunts might be conducted with property owner permission. Some property, while not within the city proper, is contiguous to the city limits and within its extra-territorial jurisdiction.
The Bambi factor: As expressed during a Tuesday public hearing by resident Danny Watson, no fawns can legally be allowed in any hunt by state law. “Any ethical deer hunter can recognize an adult deer,” Watson explained.
Conditions: Several conditions must be met by hunters, including:
--Take and pass International Bowhunter Education Course; pay $35 confirmation fee to ensure liability coverage through Arkansas Bowhunters Association.
--Attend urban hunting seminar and pass a shooting proficiency test.
--Hunt from elevated stand only at least 10 feet off the ground; keep bow “cased” to and from stand.
--Hunters must be at least 16 years old and hold an Arkansas Sportsman’s License.
--No hunting within 50 yards of any type residence, house, trails, golf courses, parks, utility installations, or paved roads.
--Hunting on private property by written permission of landowner only.
--Deer taken will not count against state seasonal bag limit.
--A hunter’s first deer taken in the hunt must be a doe.
--A hunter’s first deer taken in the hunt must be donated to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry.
--Hunters must have City required permit.
--Hunting permit must be prominently displayed on hunter’s vehicle.
--Longbows, recurve bows or compound bows must be at least 45 pounds draw weight, and arrow points must be at least 7/8-inch broadhead with mechanicals allowed, but stringlocks are prohibited.
Getting it done: No urban deer hunt is likely before 2010.
