Deer hunting program in parks starts Sept. 9

Signs like this one are posted in parks where deer hunting is allowed.

The Fairfax County deer management program begins Saturday, Sept. 9, and runs through Feb. 24, 2018.

During that period, teams of bowhunters that have been approved by Fairfax County will be allowed to shoot deer in designated parks.

In the Annandale/Mason District area, deer hunting is allowed in these parks: Holmes Run Stream Valley, Roundtree, Mason District, Lillian Carey, Accotink Stream Valley, Eakin, Eakin Community, Long Branch Stream Valley, Lake Accotink, Accotink Stream Valley, and Deerlick. See the map for boundary details.

Parks remain open to the public during the archery program. Bowhunting in designated parks is limited to Monday through Saturday, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Bowhunters must carry program ID cards stating they are certified by the county.

The use of hunters to reduce the white-tailed deer population started in 2010 to minimize hazards related to an overabundance of deer, such as deer-vehicle collisions, the potential spread of diseases, and environmental damage.
Bow hunters are required to shoot from elevated tree stands that must be at least 100 feet away from property lines and at least 50 feet from established park trails. Archers who violate the rules could be suspended from the program.

To be approved for the program, archers must meet state hunter licensing, education, and safety requirements; must meet certain qualifications to demonstrate skill and marksmanship; and must pass a criminal background check. Beginning this year, archers also must have completed a course through the International Bowhunter Education Program.