Archers to Hunt Deer at Neshaminy State Park

An annual deer hunt again will enable archers to hunt in , Bucks County, when Pennsylvania's statewide archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 29, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) officials announced.

The park's permitted archery hunt will begin two weeks later than in previous years. A total of 80 permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Starting on Sept. 29, hunting will be allowed during the regular archery season for deer, as established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Our goal is to help reduce the park's deer population and keep it in balance with the unique ecosystem of the park," Neshaminy State Park Manager Josh Swartley said. "The current deer population is adversely impacting woodland regeneration and the park's natural resources."

To participate, hunters first must register at the Neshaminy State Park Office beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, Swartley said. To register, hunters must bring the following to the park office on the sign-up date:

• Pennsylvania hunting license
• archery license
• proof of identification
• vehicle registration

Registered hunters will be required to attend a safety meeting prior to the hunt where hunt rules and regulations will be reviewed, and permits will be distributed.

Hunters may take antlered deer as well as antlerless deer if the archers possess a valid antlerless license for Wildlife Management Unit 5D. 

The park will remain open to the general public during the hunt. Hunting will not be permitted in safety zones and certain designated areas within the park. A map showing these areas is available at the park office.

Portable tree stands will be permitted, but must comply with Game Commission regulations governing their use on public land. Archers may harvest no animals other than deer.

For more details on the hunt, or information on Neshaminy State Park, call 215-639-4538, or visit the park office at 3401 State Road.