Bow Hunting Begins at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora

A pilot program for bow hunting at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora has officially started as of October 1. There has been plenty of debate over the past couple of weeks about whether hunting at the popular park is a good idea. However, New York State has moved forward with the program, and archery season has arrived.

Deer herd numbers across New York State remain strong, and in some areas, deer populations appear to be higher than desired. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that more Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be available in certain areas this year.

The early deadline to apply for a DMP was October 1. In some Wildlife Management Units, however, hunters can receive an unlimited number of permits. I applied for permits in Zones 9H and 9M and was approved for both. I also noticed on the DEC’s map that some areas had an unlimited number of DMPs available.

Knox Farm State Park Hunting Rules

When it comes to hunting at Knox Farm State Park, there are a number of rules that hunters must follow. The first is that those who intend to hunt on the property must have a valid permit! According to the flyer posted within the park, you can apply for the permit online or at the kiosk.

For starters, hunters must complete the initial sign-up process before they can begin hunting at the park. According to the signs posted at Knox Farm, there are specific times when hunters are permitted to enter the park and begin hunting.

Back-to-back hunting days are not allowed, and there are several other rules hunters must follow while participating in the program.

One of the most important requirements is staying within the designated State Park property. Hunters must be especially careful not to cross onto the private property that surrounds Knox Farm.

Large Whitetail Deer Are Common at Knox Farm

Hunters will be out at Knox Farm over the next several weeks as archery season gets underway, and it will be interesting to see how successful this pilot program becomes.

For years, those of us who have lived in East Aurora, driven around the park, or walked through Knox Farm have seen some impressive Whitetail bucks wandering the property.

However, hunters participating in the program have been asked to harvest a doe first, although that does not appear to be a requirement of the program.

If you plan to hunt at Knox Farm State Park, be extremely careful and make sure you understand and follow all of the rules.

Knox Farm is a very special place for many people in the East Aurora community, and at its core, the goal of this program is conservation and deer management.