HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- The Hot Springs Village Property Owners' Association board of directors will consider a fall bow hunt for deer, the first one in more than three years, to help thin the population and maintain a healthy herd.
The board heard a proposal from Beverly Ellison, manager of the Permitting and Inspecting Department, at Wednesday's board meeting. The proposal calls for a controlled bow hunt Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.
"The Deer Management Assistance Program being recommended for the fall of 2014 is regulated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with the goal to reduce the deer-related property damage to landscaping, yards and vehicle accidents. In 2007, it was a pretty big number," Ellison said.
In 2007, there were 82 reported deer-vehicle wrecks.
Through the first half of 2014, only six have been reported, but Ellison recommended the hunt be done to help keep these numbers as low as possible.
The first controlled bow hunt was in 2009 with 162 deer harvested. Of those, 122 were donated to the Arkansas Hunters Feed the Hungry program.
The second hunt was divided into two seasons, September 2010 and January 2011, which harvested 231 deer. Of those, 177 were donated to the Arkansas Hunters Feed the Hungry program.
If the board approves the proposal at its July 16 regular meeting, a mandatory hunter orientation will be held in the village, coordinated and attended by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials. The hunters will be instructed where to hunt on common property and to keep a safe distance away from homes, golf courses, trails and lakes.
Ellison said the Permitting and Inspection Department will coordinate with the Hot Springs Village Police Department to properly identify registered hunters as they enter the village and participate in the hunt.
The Cortez Fire Station would serve as the check station, where the proper data would be recorded, including the hunter's name, confirmation number, date of harvest and sex of the deer.
The following items are mandated for the deer hunt:
• A current Arkansas Game and Fish hunting license.
• A current Arkansas Bow Hunter's Association card.
• First deer must be donated to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. It is the hunter's responsibility to deliver to the processor.
• Hunters must attend the Hot Springs Village orientation to register for the hunt, show current cards and sign a POA waiver. Maps showing designated hunting areas and passes will be handed out and questions answered.
• Arkansas Game and Fish does allow the harvest of both bucks and does. A hunter may harvest two bucks, but those must be checked using their license allocation. Only bonus doe tags can be issued through the deer management program.
• Arkansas Game and Fish officers will regulate the hunt and attend orientation.
• Hunters must check the deer at Cortez Fire Station with Arkansas Game and Fish via telecheck, Internet or smartphone.
State Desk on 07/08/2014