The annual archery deer hunt at Huyser Farm Park is at its halfway point, taking a break now for statewide firearm deer hunting. At midway, at least four hunters bagged their deer at the park, 4188 64th St.
The nine bowhunters who were in the field from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 were contacted. Several had returned surveys noting they did not get a deer. Others did not respond to emails or phone messages.
Bowhunting resumes Dec. 1 at the park. Six hunters are scheduled through Dec. 31.
Success in the field
Tammi and Steve Hamm of Holland each got a buck this fall.
Steve got a 4-point buck in three days of hunting at the park. He also got a deer last year.
He thanked the people who put together the hunt that gave the husband and wife a chance to spend time together outdoors and put food on the table.
“Look forward to hopefully doing it again in the future,” he said in an email.
Tammi got an 8-point buck in eight days of hunting at the park. She participated last year but this was her first success.
“This is my second Huyser hunt and I love it,” she said in an email.
Chris Nyland of Laketown Township got a doe on Oct. 8 in the 102-acre park. He also got a deer in last year’s hunt.
Travis Engelsman bagged an 8-point buck on Nov. 11. This was his first hunt at the park.
About the program
Fifteen hunters were selected for five different time periods from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 through Dec. 31.
The park property remains open for hiking, fishing and other recreational activities during hunting times. Signs are in place in the parking area notifying people that hunting is underway.
Hunters are required to fill out a questionnaire about the hunt.
Last year’s respondents said they were grateful for the chance to use the park. Respondents spent an average of 4.4 days hunting during their about two-week window. Two hunters got deer last season. Many reported seeing deer, coyotes, skunks, squirrels and a variety of birds.
The hunting program began in 2008 and is overseen by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.