Hendersonville Residents Embrace Backyard Deer Hunting to Address Overpopulation

In Hendersonville, Tennessee, residents are taking proactive steps to manage the city's escalating deer population by participating in a unique backyard hunting initiative.

 

With deer densities reaching up to four times the state average, the city, in collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), has introduced a program that permits homeowners to hunt deer on their own properties.

 

Jerald Barrett, chairman of Hendersonville's Deer Monitoring and Control Committee, emphasized the program's goal: "In reality, people do it from their back porch. So the goal is to keep that interaction positive for both the people and for the deer, the best that we can."

 

To participate, residents must possess a valid Tennessee hunting license and have completed a hunter safety course. While state regulations allow the use of firearms, both the city and TWRA strongly recommend bow hunting to ensure safety in residential areas.

 

Barrett highlighted the importance of safety: "Legally per state regulations firearms are allowed, we strongly recommend bow only."

 

Recognizing that not all homeowners are hunters, the committee has established a Deer Hunter Directory. This resource connects property owners with experienced, licensed hunters willing to assist in managing deer populations on private land.

 

Barrett explained the directory's purpose: "We've had a tremendous number of homeowners that said, hey, I need someone to hunt my property. And so we've also had a lot of hunters that say, we really want to hunt people's property."

 

Hunters interested in participating can register online, providing their credentials and availability. Homeowners can then select hunters from the directory, ensuring they meet safety and licensing requirements.

 

Barrett noted the mutual benefits: "They can, you know, vet the hunter. Of course, the hunter can show, demonstrate that they have correct Tennessee hunting license."

 

This initiative aims to reduce deer-related issues such as vehicle collisions, property damage, and the spread of diseases. Additionally, harvested deer can be donated to organizations like Hunters for the Hungry, providing venison to those in need.

 

As deer season progresses, Hendersonville's backyard hunting program offers a community-driven solution to wildlife management, fostering cooperation between residents and hunters to address the challenges of urban deer overpopulation.