Chesterfield considering adding more hunting ground - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Chesterfield may open up several parks for bow hunting, due to the exploding deer population.

It is bow hunting season in Virginia and for hunters like Daniel Woodfin, it's important to respect the animal you hunt.

"You don't want to just injure an animal and send it on its way, that's not what we do," said Woodfin.

A special committee for the county's Parks and Recreation advisory board is looking into give bow hunters more hunting ground.

As long as it meets cost, safety and operational requirements, the county's considering opening up the Dutch Gap Conservation area -- 810 acres of woods, wetlands and wildlife to the sport. The area is just open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding right now.

A bow and arrow retailer in the county says the deer population is high and as long as the sport is practiced safely it's better for hunters to take them home rather than drivers hitting him on the road.

"Ninety five percent of your bow hunting is done in elevated positions in a tree, so the safety factor you're only shooting anywhere from 20 to 30 yards. You have to be very close to your animal to even get a shot at it and if you don't hit your target, it'll generally just hit the dirt," said Mike Poh, owner of Pat's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights.

There are groups out there who oppose any sort of hunting. So for those for it or against - the county wants to hear from you. There will be a public hearing on April 2nd at 7 p.m at the Eanes-Pittman Safety Training Center on 6610 Public Safety Way.

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