The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recently asked Front Royal officials to allow the use of bows and arrows during deer hunting season, by implementing an Urban Archery Program.
The program will expand the scope of who can hunt deer and when deer can be hunted. Implementing the program will require a change in law.
"The present code does not allow any hunting, either by firearm or archery, in the town limits, with the exception of the town's deer management agent and our law enforcement officers," said Town Manage Steve Burke.
Five years ago, Front Royal had major problems with deer, including car accidents and property damage. Suburban Wildlife was fired to assist police with deer management.
Once the urban archery program is written into law, others will be able to help control the deer population.
"Deer management would be open to all archery hunters that have a valid hunting license, approved by the state," Burke said.
According to the VDGIF's website, the Urban Archery Program was developed in 2002 as a way to translate problems with deer in urban spaces into an outlet for recreational hunting. A town or county must have a population density of at least 300 people per square mile to qualify, then the department will send a written request for participation in the program.
The website also mentions that archery is quieter than shooting a gun, which makes it preferable to gun sport in urban settings.
The Town's agenda for the next council meeting indicates that hunting would only be allowed on private property where the property owner has given express permission to the hunter to hunt deer. Hunting will not be allowed on any public property in the town, and there are strict guidelines regarding hunting near streets and public sidewalks.
