Sections of Muscoot Farm and Lasdon Park and Arboretum, both in Somers will open for bow hunting deer this autumn. Participants will be selected by lottery.

Selected participants must prove county residency and pass a proficiency test by hitting a 9-inch target at 25 yards, three out of three tries, using field tips only, at Blue Mountain Sportsman Center in Peekskill on September 4, 5, 6, 12 or 13. Of the 65 qualifying, 50 will be selected by lottery to hunt. The remaining 15 will be alternates on a wait list. There is no fee for applying; however, those chosen will pay an administrative fee of $25.

Signs posted in both parks will alert visitors when they are about to enter a section that is being hunted; signs will be posted for hunters advising them not to cross into non-hunting safety zones. A detailed safety plan will be in effect. Parks Department staff will manage the program.

Applications are available at Muscoot Farm and Lasdon Park and online at www.westchestergov.com/parks. Deadline for application is August 27, 2009. Potential hunters should read and thoroughly understand all requirements because there will be a zero-tolerance policy for non-compliance.

A study released earlier this year by the Westchester County Citizen’s Task Force on White-Tail Deer and Forest Regeneration indicated that Westchester’s forests, especially in northern areas have diminished greatly, due in large part to the overpopulation of deer.

Information and the report of the Westchester County Citizen’s Task Force on White-tailed Deer and Forest Regeneration are available at www.westchestergov.com/parks or by calling (914) 864-7327.