Urban Hunt in city limits of Marietta, OH

The city of Marietta, OH began its urban hunting program in 2005. When the program began, it was estimated as many as 1,000 whitetail deer had taken up residence within the Marietta city limits.

The program allows archery hunters who meet certain requirements to harvest deer on designated city properties. Private property of an acre or more may be hunted as long as the hunter has written permission from the property owner.

In addition to standard archery regulations, additional requirements must be met to participate in the program. First, hunters must pass an accuracy test. The hunter is given 5 shots at 20 yards. A minimum of 4 arrows must strike the vital areas on the target.

If a hunter successfully passes the accuracy test, they must have a $100,000 liability insurance policy.

Other regulations include that the hunter must hunt from an elevated tree stand and have their name written on the fletchings of each arrow.

Finally, a hunter is required to harvest a doe first before shooting at and harvesting a buck.

Many cities in Ohio and West Virginia offer urban hunts. We were fortunate enough to tag along with one hunter for an his urban hunt in Marietta, Ohio.