Morgantown Archery Hunt Donated 8 Tons of Venison

The city’s urban deer program has surpassed 8 tons of total food donations for local pantries since its inception.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hunting

Morgantown Archery Hunt Donated 8 Tons of Venison

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Do you support urban archery programs to reduce deer populations and provide food for local pantries?

Morgantown’s urban archery deer hunt reached a milestone of 8 tons of venison donated to local food pantries. The 16-year-old program continues to supply local food banks with meat from deer harvested within city limits.

Why it matters

The program helps residents manage local deer populations, which contributes to a reduction in property damage and car-deer collisions. It also serves as a source of food security for the local community through ongoing venison donations.

The program has active participation from 94 certified hunters across 30 city locations. So far in the 2026 season, 62 deer have been harvested, with 22 donated to area food banks.

The players

West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

This state agency provides the essential framework guidance for urban deer hunt programs across the region.

The details

Operating under guidance from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, the program requires hunters to complete training with a certified instructor. The initiative has successfully harvested nearly 1,500 deer since it began, providing a consistent supply of protein to local organizations.

The urban archery program began providing venison donations in 2011.
The 2026 urban archery hunting season began on September 5, 2026.
The 2026 urban archery hunting season concludes on December 31, 2026.
A second portion of the hunting season is scheduled for January 2027.

Culture Shift

The Morgantown deer hunt follows the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources framework guidance for urban wildlife management. This standardized regulatory approach allows regional municipalities to successfully integrate controlled hunting into suburban and urban environments.

Residents can expect improved landscaping and garden health as deer populations are managed through the 30 active hunting locations. Food pantries in the area will continue to receive supplemental protein donations through the remainder of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Managed urban hunting programs can serve as both a wildlife control tool and a source of sustainable food for the community. Residents should remain aware of hunting activity in designated areas throughout the remainder of the season.