MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Urban Deer Hunt is entering its 13th year and could expand into new areas in 2023. In addition to areas in the city, BOPARC is considering resuming the hunt for the first time since 2015.
BOPARC suspended participation when staff noticed possible violations after the scheduled limits of the program.
Program coordinator Rick Bebout said they are reviewing applications and will have an approved list of new and returning hunters by May. Once the list is in place, the hunters will prepare for specialized training in the month of July, according to Bebout.
“At that time, all the new hunters will get their hunting assignments, all the existing hunters coming back will get their assignments, and the season kicks off this year on September 9,” Bebout said.
These hunters are vetted through the application process and must have valid West Virginia hunting licenses, complete a bowhunter education course, and pass an archery proficiency test.
“There are some pretty significant differences in how we handle ourselves, but also in how we do things on a standard basis,” Bebout said. “So, they get a lot of specialized training, and we put them in a position to be successful.”
Bebout said being able to hunt and help others is what makes this a volunteer experience. In fact, Bebout said this year they expect to top six tons of high-quality venison donated to local food pantries, churches, and food kitchens over the life of the program.
“They’re part of the entire process; not only do they harvest the deer and drop it off,” Bebout said. “But, when it comes time to pick that meat up from the processor, they roll up their sleeves and make deliveries to the agencies within the community.”
Reducing deer populations will limit the potential for an increased spread of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that deer ticks can carry and cause problems and property damage. Bebout said that damage could be anything from your garden, landscaping, or even your car. He believes the rate of accidents has dropped since the program began.
“That’s from the people who work for the city that pick up deer,” Bebout said. “Since we started our project 13 years ago, they’ve noticed a significant decrease in the number of deer they pick up.”
Bebout said the group has been fortunate to have the support of four city managers and a variety of council members over the life of the program.
“We’ve had unwavering support from our city council, and in 13 years, you have a tremendous amount of turnover in a city council through elections, retirements, and new faces in there, and I think that’s been incredible,”Bebout said.
Last year, 89 deer were harvested: 71 antlerless deer and 18 bucks, a typical total, according to Bebout.