Large suburban building lots create wonderful deer habitat, especially those that butt against a creek, stream bed, or park. Browse from brushy draws and urban homes provides food, while the lack of hunting pressure allows deer to live to an extended age. Jeff Harrison, shown in the photo above, learned this trick many years ago and has taken double-digit Pope & Young bucks from the “burbs.”
Jeff is a Tradesman and worked extensively in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where he got to know many homeowners who wanted relief from resident deer herds that ate their shrubbery and landscaping trees excessively. Often, he spotted large bucks bedded in the neighborhood yards, which helped him hone in on the best properties to hunt. In spring and early summer, he often knocked on doors and asked if he could look for shed antlers on their properties, which were usually three to five acres.
Many urban homeowners are unaware of the antler growth of whitetail deer, so Jeff would have an antler in his hand to show them what he was looking for. Once granted permission, he searched the property, thanked the homeowner for the opportunity, and asked if they were concerned about deer damage during the winter. Many were happy to invite him to help reduce deer damage, and he’d explain how he’d use a tree stand, bow, and arrow, and hunt the far edge of their property.
Bowhunting in Washington DC
There is probably a suburban deer hunting opportunity near you. The tactics are different, but the bucks are the same, only bigger. Here’s a great YouTube video explaining this most unusual adventure.
