Deer-Hunting Will Again Be Allowed in Yorktown, Somers

Hilltop Hanover farm in Yorktown Heights will open for bow hunting with a limited pilot program this fall.

Sections of Muscoot Farm and Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem will re-open for the third year. 

It's part of Westchester County's Deer Management program, which is part of its conservation efforts. Click here to learn more.  

All the parks will limit hunter access—such as by time of day or day of the week. 

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, county officials said in a press release. The program will run from October through Dec. 31, 2013 during the regular NYSDEC Zone 3S archery season. Find out more about the state's hunting rules here. 

Participants must be county residents and will be selected by testing and lottery.

To get into the lottery, applicants must pass a proficiency test by hitting a 9-inch target at 25 yards, three out of five tries, using field tips only. The test will be given at Blue Mountain Sportsman Center in Peekskill on June 21, June 29 or July 14.

Applying and testing are free. Those selected for the program will pay an administrative fee of $40.

The deadline to apply is June 20. Get an application and learn more about the requirements at westchestergov.com/parks. For more information you can also call (914) 864-7326.