MANAGED ARCHERY HUNT COMING TO ST. LOUIS COUNTY – In St. Louis County, Missouri, managed archery deer hunts are set to occur in several local parks where deer numbers are too dense. This plan was put in place by the county council in a 5-2 vote last month. The beginning of these managed hunts will coincide with the opening date of the statewide archery deer season. Furthermore, hunters will have to apply for one of these limited hunting licenses that will be randomly drawn.
They will take place at Queeny, Jefferson Barracks, and Creve Coeur parks. Additionally, all hunters have to hunt from a tree stand, to ensure the safety of hunters around them. In February, the Missouri Department of Conservation will release more information that hunters need to know regarding the application process.
Reported by Fox2Now, Manchester city Mayor, Mike Clement stated: “We have watched our population grow from 26 (per square mile). Three years ago, it was 42 deer per square mile. We’re taking it again this year and expect it to be between 55-60 deer per square mile.” Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation state that a deer population that reaches above 30 per square mile becomes a nuisance.
The goal of these managed hunts is to bring the deer population back to a healthy, and manageable level. With this overabundant population being in close proximity to an urban environment, safety is a concern for drivers. Collisions with deer are on the rise, and such accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles along with serious injuries to the driver.
This plan came under criticism by anti-hunters, calling it cruel to the deer, and possibly dangerous to humans. However, the fact that hunters must hunt out of a tree stand, and can only use a bow, very much mitigates danger to other humans.
What are your thoughts on the managed archery hunt?
