MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Urban Archery Deer Hunt has surpassed a total of 8 tons in donations of venison to local food pantries.
The season began its 16th year on Sept. 5, and will end on Dec. 31.
“As of this morning, we’ve harvested 62 deer and 22 of those have been donated to our food bank program,” program coordinator Rick Bebout said Monday.
“That 575-pound donation last week pushes us over the 8-ton mark all-time,” Bebout said. “We’re really proud of that, and we want to keep building on it.”
The hunters have harvested nearly 1,500 deer over the life of hunt. Experts believe the program reduces car-deer crashes and the extensive damage to landscaping and gardens reported by property owners.
Since 2011, the Morgantown program has provided thousands of pounds of ground venison to area churches and organizations that support feeding programs in the county. This year, 94 certified hunters are harvesting deer from more than 30 locations within city limits.
Bebout said the impact of the program has been felt in the nearby community, leading to others looking for advice to start their own. Bebout said Westover approved a pilot program three years ago that continues today.
“The issue has to be raised to the decision makers, so go to your city council meetings and speak with city officials to get the ball rolling,” Bebout said.
The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources offers a framework for urban programs and can be very helpful once you get city approval, according to Bebout. Information from the DNR says urban programs are popular because they start a couple weeks before the public season and provide additional opportunities for hunters to bag a deer.
“Once you get approval from there, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has been a great partner,” Bebout said. “It’s a pretty easy process once you get buy-in from the city.”
Bebout is a National Bowhunter Education Foundation-certified instructor and provides the training for the hunters that will typically begin in July. The hunting season runs from the first Saturday in September and runs through the end of the year, with a second portion of the season during the final two weeks of January.
“It’s safe, it’s cost-effective, and I say all the time that it’s the best volunteer work you can do for your community if you’re a bow hunter,” Bebout said.