Muscoot Farm and Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem and Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights are on the list of places where bow hunters can legally deer hunt in Fall 2015.
John E. Hand Bald Mountain Park in Yorktown will continue as a pilot program, with limited hunter access only. Participants will be selected through proficiency testing and a lottery system.
For access to the restricted area, applicants must hit a 9-inch target at 25 yards in three out of five tries. Testing will take place at Blue Mountain Sportsman Center in Peekskill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, and the following Saturday and Sunday. Following the proficiency test, qualified hunters will be selected by lottery.
There is no fee for applying or testing, but those selected for the program will pay an administrative fee of $40. The program will run from October through December 31, 2015 during the regular NYSDEC Zone 3S archery season. The parks will remain open during the season and informational signs will be posted for hunters and park visitors. A detailed safety program will be in effect.
Applications are available at westchestergov.com/parks for downloading and printing.
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