Tactics for urban deer hunting

Hunters can have good hunting on small tracts of surburban or relatively urban land if deer like this nice buck killed by Rives Cathey have cover, food and waater.

If you are a bowhunter, you may have an undiscovered bonanza closer to home than you think. You need to take an analytical look at the small, urban woodlots that you have passed by on the way to your “out-of-town” hunting spots. Ride around nearby developments and look for small woodlots, swamps or stream corridors passing through the area.

Many of these spots are not suitable for building housing or businesses due to the terrain or water features, but they may have exactly what is needed to support several relatively undisturbed deer. As opposed to rural areas with high hunting pressure, these deer may live out a long life with no hunting pressure. The most dangerous thing they face is traffic they encounter.

After noting the location of several likely spots, go to Google Maps or a similar application with aerial photos and topographical maps. Evaluate the access and travel corridors to pick out the most likely candidates for hunting. The next step is getting permission to hunt the area. A stop at the closest house or business may reveal who owns the property. A polite conversation might result in permission to hunt. Don’t be discouraged by failure; if you can secure a few key spots to hunt, it will be time well spent.

If you have problems discovering who owns the property, check tax records online or at the county courthouse. The next step is making the contact and requesting permission. You may strike out at a few properties, but if you are persistent, you could end up with several hotspots that are very accessible from where you live.

When talking to landowners, be polite, stress the close range and relative safety of archery hunting from elevated stands. Offer to share venison if they desire.

Archery hunting in South Carolina offers either-sex harvest throughout the season and is an excellent way to gain access to some great urban deer hunting. Hunting with rifles may be legal, but most urban hunting situations are more suitable for archery hunting. Don’t miss out on some great opportunities.

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