Politics & Government

Managed Deer Hunt at Meadowood Underway

Guns and bows allowed

Don’t be alarmed if you hear gunfire. The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting a Deer Management Hunt Thursday through Saturday. The hunters have no limit on the number of antler-less deer they can take, and the weapons allowed are firearms and bows and arrows.

The Barn at Meadowood as well as the therapeutic riding program and trail riding are closed until the end of the hunt. 

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“Residents who live or travel near 10705 Belmont Boulevard may see an increased number of vehicles on the road between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday due to hunter registration at this location,” reads a letter sent by BLM to nearby residents. “White-tailed deer have a high survival rate in human modified environments and can increase their population by up to 40 percent each year...

“The result is twofold: a damaged landscape where, in many places, there is little or no vegetation below five feet (i.e., the browse line); and eventually an unhealthy population of deer. Native plant communities and the wildlife that depend on them are negatively impacted. Deer are not confined to natural areas and cause significant damage to vegetation on both public and private lands,” the letter said.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hunters were chosen last month by lottery. Hunting areas are kept from homes, businesses and roadways.

If you have any questions, contact BLM Natural Resources Specialist John Reffit at (703) 339-3467 or BLM Field Manager, E.Lynn Burkett at (703) 339-3461.


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