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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The bowhunting season for hunting black-tail deer starts Oct. 15.

Clint Tyus of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division said bowhunting is increasing in popularity in Chilton County.

He said the season has an appeal because it allows people to get an early start on deer season.

As with any hunting season, there are regulations and safety precautions that need to be followed. Tyus said a long, recurve, compound or cross bow can be used.

“Longbows and recurve bows and compound bows must have a minimum peak tension of 30 pounds, and crossbows must have a peak tension to 85 pounds at normal draw length,” Tyus said.

Specific arrows are also required. The arrow has to be of the broadhead variety with two sharp edges, “and a minimum cutting diameter of a seven-eighths inch,” Tyus said.

Tyus said these requirements are so the bow will be strong enough to “make an ethical kill,” rather than just injuring the animal.

Hunting from elevated tree stands is popular with bowhunters, and Tyus recommends wearing a full body harness to keep from falling while in the stand.

A safety harness is required when hunting from a tree stand in a wildlife management area, such as the Talladega National Forest near Maplesville.

A hunting license is required for those 16-65 years old. In Chilton County, these can be purchased at Walmart or the Probate office in the Chilton County Courthouse. Licenses can also be purchased online at outdooralabama.com/hunting.

“If their birthday is after Aug. 1 of 1977, they need to have their hunter education class in order to obtain a license to hunt by themselves,” Tyus said.

Additionally, a bait privilege license, which allows hunting over feed that has been set out, is available. Tyus said this is required for anyone wanting to use this method of hunting no matter how old they are.

Documentation of harvesting a deer is required, and this can be completed through the Outdoor Alabama app. Tyus said harvesting the deer has to be recorded on their license or through the app before the deer is removed, while hunters have up to 48 hours to report the harvesting. If the app is used, both recording and reporting are completed at the same time. If not, reporting has to be completed by calling 1 800-888-7690 or online at outdooralabama.com. This reporting helps biologists keep track of deer population trends.

Bowhunting season will end on Feb. 10.