The Morgantown City Council has approved the use of Urban Deer Archery Hunts as a way to reduce the deer population in and around the community after the Urban Deer Committee explored alternatives, made recommendations to City Council, and completed an aerial deer count. It also helps feed homeless by providing donations of venison to local kitchens and shelters. Hunters are not required to donate the deer, however, it is encouraged for hunters to do so to help feed those that are food insecure in our community. Donated deer are harvested at no cost to the hunter. The following resources are provided to make sure residents are aware of all aspects of the Urban Deer Archery Hunt.
We understand that a hunt may not be every resident's first choice when controlling deer population. For those interested, we are compiling resources to educate citizens about how to create a deer-resistant yard or property. These can be found at the bottom of the page under "Preventative Measures."
Hunter Application Process
Hunters interested in participating in the Morgantown Urban Deer Archery Hunt should complete an application and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator. All hunters selected are required to attend a safety education course provided by a certified instructor from the National Bowhunting Education Foundation. There is a small fee of approximately $20 to attend this training course. Hunters only need to attend the training once to be eligible for the program.
A completed application is not a guarantee that a hunter will be selected. The City Manager or designee will attempt to assign all qualified hunters, but there may be more qualified applicants than hunting locations.
To be considered for fall 2023, applications must be submitted by April 15, 2023. Applications received after this date will automatically be added to the waitlist.
Landowner Information
If you are interested in allowing bowhunting on your property, please fill out the Property Authorization form and contact the Volunteer Coordinator to assess the property. Chapter 19, Article 25 of West Virginia State Code relieves private landowners from liability when they provide hunters and fishermen access to their property.
2022-2023 Urban Deer Archery Hunt
The 2022-2023 Urban Deer Archery Hunt runs from September 3, 2022 to December 31, 2022 and from January 9, 2023 through January 31, 2023.
Hunters are not required to donate the deer, however, it is encouraged for hunters to do so to help feed those that are food insecure in our community. Donated deer are harvested at no cost to the hunter.
Many residents have discussed the impact of a large deer population on planting gardens and flowers on their property. The following alternative resources are provided in an effort to reduce the impact of deer on plants.