Three Meetings Left for County Archery Program

The public has three more opportunities to learn more about the Fairfax County Police Department's on the Archery Program that was implemented last year for its Deer Management Program.

According to a Fairfax County press release the program was developed with the understanding that archery is an efficient, sustainable and safe way to manage deer populations in urban areas.

The 2011 Archery Program will begin Oct. 16 and run through Feb. 12, 2011. Some parks will not be closed to patrons during the length of the program and signs will be posted on trails to let visitors know of the deer management activity. The hunting will occur from elevated tree stands, which will be located at least 100 feet from park property lines and at least 50 feet from trails.

The program is conducted at only selected park sites and qualified archery groups are chosen by lotto. To qualify, groups must be ethical, experienced bow hunters with superior marksmanship and skill. Each group is carefully screened and is monitored by the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist. 

Meetings:

• Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.: McLean Government Center (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean), covering Colvin Run stream Valley and Difficult Run Stream Valley.
• Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.: Mount Vernon Government Center (2511 Parkers Ln., Alexandria), covering Laurel Hill.
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.: Sully District Governmental Center ( 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantily), covering Sully Historic Park and woodlands, Eleanor C. Lawrence Park and Cub Run Stream Valley.

Contact Victoria Monroe, Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist at 703-246-6868 or e-mail Victoria.monroe@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals/wildlife.

Note: The original article said the program was under the Fairfax County Park Authority, but the program is overseen by the Fairfax County Police Department. Additionally, a correction was made to Victoria Monroe's e-mail address.
Update made on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m.