Hunting in Kentucky: 3 Things to Know about Urban Deer Hunting in Cities and Suburbs

Those who enjoy hunting may be interested to know that an increase in the Kentucky deer population has lead to many of the animals straying into urban areas, and causing damage to fencing and vegetation (and they can be a danger to traffic, too). A corresponding increase in urban development is leading to an encroachment in traditional deer habitats, and a reduction in their feeding areas. Small urban forests give cover to herds of the deer, but the trees are under threat  because the deer are constantly feeding on bark.

Kentucky Angling Magazine reports on how control of the urban deer population is vital, but the options open to the authorities are limited. Capture and release of each deer is expensive, between $700 and $1,000 per animal, and there is no guarantee that the animal won’t return. When the population is in the hundreds, the cost becomes prohibitive. Birth control is another option used by authorities, but again the cost is about $1,000 per animal and isn’t always effective.

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Regulated hunting is the best and most cost effective way for authorities to help control the urban deer population in Kentucky. Here are three things to know about Urban Deer Hunting in Kentucky:

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1. Gun Use- The discharge of weapons in an urban area is illegal in the towns and cities of Kentucky. The hunting of a deer by gun, though effective, is too dangerous, and the hunter must not shoot his weapon within any town’s ordinance.
2. Use of Bow And Arrow - Because of the safety concerns surrounding the discharge of dangerous weapons, many towns have introduced the hunting of urban deer by bow and arrow. Use of a bow and arrow has proven very effective in killing and controlling the animal and injuries to humans are rare, according to Kentucky Angling magazine. The success of a programs for urban deer control by the use of bow and arrow led to the dramatic drop in deer population in Fort Thomas City, after its introduction in 2012. The near casualty free program has led to its introduction in other urban areas across the Bluegrass State.
3. Hunting Rules - The River City News reports that towns that have introduced hunting by bow and arrow have strict rules with regard to times and areas. Hunters are only allowed to hunt deer on certain days, and only at agreed upon hours. Towns have designated areas that are closed to hunting, and archers can only shoot on land where the hunting is allowed.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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