Bow Hunting At Kent Co Parks So Popular It May Expand

The popularity of bow hunting in Kent County parks has more people applying for permits, and now officials are exploring opportunities to expand.

Deer populations can grow quickly without proper management. Many Kent County parks are overrun with deer, prompting officials to create bow hunting opportunities for archery hunters.. The idea is working and could expand to other areas giving hunters more opportunities to help manage the herd while utting down on deer-auto collisions as well as bring down damage to people's plants in their yards.

Bow Hunting in Kent County Parks

If you have been to any Kent County park, you know they are filled with deer. That is why in 2017, certain Kent County parks began allowing a limited number of hunting permits to try and control the herd.

Since Kent County began allowing hunters to apply for these permits, the number of people applying has grown considerably. The demand is so high for these permits, Kent County officials are looking at other locations to expand the program.

Kent Co May Expand Bow Hunting In Popular Parks

Kent County parks offer up 40 bow hunting permits, and usually have between 200 and 250 applicants. This year was record breaking with nearly 1,000 applications for white-tail deer and turkey hunting.

According to WOOD TV, hunters have been able to apply for four specific park locations in Kent County and this year the county added Long Lake Park in Sparta. The Director of Kent County Parks Ben Swayze said, "It really shows there is a demand."

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Many area Kent County parks are not used in the colder months, which make great locations for expanding to possibly more hunting permits in more locations. The parks are utilized, and the deer herd is managed more effectively. It's a win, win for the community and hunters.

If you want to apply for hunting Kent County parks next year, you must have your applications in by Labor Day Weekend 2026.

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