Select County Parks Will Allow Deer Hunting During Fall

Deer hunting will be allowed in four county parks this fall.

The Westchester County Parks Department announced Monday  it will re-open sections of Muscoot Farm and Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem for bow hunting deer in the fall.

Those who will be allowed to hunt will be selected by a test and lottery.

Applicants must be county residents and be able to prove it and pass a proficiency test by hitting a 9-inch target at 25 yards, three out of three tries, using field tips only. The test will take place July 29-31 at Blue Mountain Sportsman Center in Peekskill.

Following the test, qualified hunters will be selected by lottery.

While there is no fee for applying, those selected for the program mut pay a $25 administrative fee.

The program will run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; the parks will remain open during the season and informational signs will be posted for hunters and park visitors. A detailed safety program will be in effect.

Applications are available at all four parks and can be downloaded at www.westchestergov.com/parks.

Signed applications must be received by July 27 at 4 p.m. The address where they should be sent is County Parks Department administrative office at 25 Moore Ave., Mount Kisco, NY 10549, attention Deer Management Program.

The county urges prospective hunters to read and understand all requirements because there will be a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance.

For more information, call 914-864-7326.