Since 2009, the Township has contracted with the Big Oak Whitetail Management Association (BOWMA) to conducted structured, archery hunts consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Township-owned properties to responsibly manage the deer population in Lower Makefied Township. The hunts are open to BOWMA members only and not open to the general public. All BOWMA members must be a minimum of 21 years of age, pass a proficiency test, a bow hunting class administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Game Commission), undergo background checks, carry identification, and are insured. Each of the properties on which hunting is scheduled to occur have been posted and notice has been mailed to surrounding property owners. For more information on BOWMA including how to join, please visit their website at https://www.bigoakwhitetail.org.
Archery hunting will take place between dawn and dusk from September 16, 2023 to November 24, 2023 and December 26, 2023 to January 27, 2024 consistent with the 2023-24 Deer (Archery) hunting season as established by the Game Commission.
Archery hunting will occur MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ONLY; EXCEPT FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2023, on the following properties:
- Buck Creek (Wilshire & Ruddy Tracts);
- Ellen Tract;
- Faytol Tract;
- Lower Makefield Municipal Building (wooded area);
- Makefield Highlands Golf Course (wooded area)—will not disrupt normal golf course operations;
- Memorial Park (wooded area)—will not impact access to the park;
- Patterson Farm;
- Snipes Tract;
- Taylorsville Tract/Park & Ride—will not disrupt use of the Park and Ride; and
- Yardley Run – Lindenhurst Road.
Archery hunting will occur TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY ONLY with NO HUNTING ON THANKSGIVING on the following property:
- Five Mile Woods (park is closed during scheduled hunting times but remains open on SUNDAYS, MONDAYS, FRIDAYS, and SATURDAYS)
