What is the minimum acreage for safe hunting?
There is no minimum acreage established by the State for bow hunting and there is a 10 acre minimum for rifles. Firearms also may not be discharged within 500 feet of habitable buildings. However, simply because your property meets the minimum acreage does not mean it is appropriate for hunting. All landowners are encouraged to have an experienced hunter(s) evaluate their property taking into consideration the lot configuration, topography and proximity of neighboring homes. The best approach in our suburban neighborhoods is to get several abutting neighbors together to create a larger area for hunting. Hunting for deer reduction is often carried out from elevated tree stands which makes it possible to hunt safely in a smaller area. Regardless, we encourage landowners to communicate their intentions with neighboring property owners and to accommodate their desires as practical. Property boundaries should be marked or at least walked with the hunter so trespassing is not an issue.
