FERGUS FALLS OPENS UP TO RESIDENTIAL DEER HUNT - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

The city of Fergus Falls has decided to open up archery deer hunting within city limits. An increase in accidents involving deer and cars over the past year and a half has prompted the city to make the move. But the number of hunters will be small. Valley News Live breaks down the in's and out's of the hunt.

Cities with deer problems across North Dakota and Minnesota have adopted ordinances similar to the one Fergus Falls will implement this fall. They have a problem with growing deer numbers, so why not open up the hunting to folks within city limits. That is if you're weapon of choice is a bow an arrow.

"As a kid I loved to do it. I got one of the green fiber glass bows as a little kid and kept doing it ever since." Says Chad Raitz who's been hunting with a bow as long as he can remember. The last couple years Raitz went down to Hennipen county to partake in their residential bow hunt with his family.

"Everybody always thinks there's more deer, so it's going to be easier to get one. I can tell you when I did the hunt in the Twin Cities, it's not easy to get one." Says Raitz.

First off you have to wait for the deer to get close enough that your confident it will drop. You don't want a wounded deer running around Fergus neighborhoods. That's why the city runs you through some tests to make sure your qualified to hunt within city limits.

Not just any average Joe can just sign up for the residential deer hunt. You actually have to know what you're doing. The test would call for hunters to put 5 of 6 arrows, from 20 yards ,within just a nine inch circle. Hunters would have to prove their accuracy before they can let them fly and tag their prize.

Even though it's more about the experience of getting out there than any tag. Raitz explains, "the measure of success is just being out in the woods enjoying the time out there."

Only ten hunters will get the chance to hunt within city limits. You have to be a Fergus Falls resident and once again, pass the test. Participants will be chosen through a lottery. Those interested can pick up an application at the Fergus Falls Police station.