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Since 1999, the Sudbury Conservation Commission has been administering a program to help manage the deer population in Sudbury, which continues today. This was implemented due to the negative impacts that were occurring due to the perceived overpopulation of deer. These include over-browsing of our native flora, malnourishment of the deer population, increase in ticks and tick-borne diseases, and increased car/deer interactions. To help manage the deer population, the Commission permits a small number of archers to hunt deer, with bow and arrow, from October through the end of the December on a number of conservation properties.
Sudbury has been lucky to have a dedicated group of archers, some that have been with us since the program’s inception, that have not only helped trim the deer population, but their presence has reduced the opportunity for illegal hunting from occurring. The Archers program additionally benefits the Town by providing a minimum of two hours of service to manage Sudbury’s conservation lands. On average, roughly a dozen deer are removed from Sudbury through this program. Last year, the Commission expanded the program to allow Junior Archers into the program. Junior archers are age 17 and under and are under the direct supervision of an archer licensed in the program. Locations where the Commission allows bow hunting include Nobscot, Piper Farm, Libby Conservation Land, Poor Farm Meadow, Frost Farm, Davis Farm, Wake Robin Woods (inclusive of Parkinson Land, Howe Land and Broadacres), Lincoln Meadows, Hop Brook, Mahoney Farm, and Tippling Rock.
Bow Hunting Program
- Sudbury currently has 22 Licensed Bow Hunters and 2 Junior Hunters
- There are over 30 people on the waiting list
- Less than 12 deer are taken per year
- Hunters can only shoot directly down from stands, which are away from the trails
- Hunters may use the conservation properties at the same times other users, but are likely more active near dawn and dusk
- Click here for Regulations for Hunters.
Questions? Please contact the Conservation Office at concom@sudbury.ma.us.
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