Hunting deer in town can be like walking across a hot bed of coals: Even when the issue has been openly debated by the city council and approved, there will still be some residents not too happy about the situation.
Consider also that there may be cities, towns or other small communities that have not held such debates, so hunters might assume hunting within the city corporate limits is OK. Test this premise with full caution. But no matter what, be sure to follow all ordinances, rules and acquire the proper permits.
Hunt smart
The overriding tactic for hunting within the city limits of a town is to do so with a very low profile.
I know of one incident where a hunter was getting out of his vehicle parked on the side of a highway within the boundary edge of a town.
He leased the land to hunt, but getting out of his truck with a hunting rifle in plain view was a bit unsettling for a nearby neighbor who just happened to be driving by to witness the hunter’s actions. The man stopped to ask what the hunter was doing and it was not a friendly exchange.
The hunter would have been smarter accessing the land from another gate.
Next, if you don’t live in town with enough property suitable for hunting, then you’re going to need permission to hunt somebody else’s place. That can be tricky.
In Mississippi a verbal “OK to hunt” from the landowner is not enough. You have to have a signed letter from the landowner; otherwise, you will be technically trespassing. Game wardens do check this.
It goes without saying to pick as isolated a place to hunt as possible out of the main view of others. If there is a woodlot beyond a dead end street, it might be viable for hunting, whereas hunting along a drainage ditch skirting a line of houses might not be the best place.
If you have to park in a city playground to get to a piece of woods beyond it, that might not be the best choice. Look for another entry point.
Just remember to hunt smart in town.
Town hunting tips
Triple your efforts at camouflage. Wear a facemask, gloves, and slip quietly to and from your vehicle. Before coming out of the woods, especially if you have a deer to drag to the vehicle, look around to see if anyone else is about.
Hunt early and stay late at times when the fewest other people might be around the area.
Use prudent care if toting a portable tree stand. Setting up or building some ground blinds might be a better approach for hunting setups.
Hunt deep in cover so maybe you won’t be noticed. Keep information on where you are hunting to yourself, except to give family notice.
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