Urban Deer Archery Hunt

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.

Alternative Methods

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 2026, applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026. All applications will be added to the waitlist and the number of new hunters brought into the program will be based on available hunting locations.

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.