I have some friends that live on the edge of town, but its still technically a neighborhood. They live up a big hill and all the plots around them are empty, wooded areas. They have some deer coming in their backyard eating up some plants, and mentioned that they would be ok with me getting rid of them. Would it be legal for me to shoot them with a bow? I figure a rifle is out of the question, but I really have no idea about disposing of them otherwise.

They said they have seen a big 8 point chewing up their garden, so I figured it would be worth a shot to ask. If not, I guess it's back to the public land I go.

If there is no one else living in the area, I do not see what it would hurt. As far as the legality of it, it will depend on if there is a municipal ordinance which makes hunting with a bow illegal inside the city limits.

outside city limits have written permission hunter orange on and you must have permission from other landowners to go retrieve the deer other than that i dont see a problem.

Check neighborhood ordnances and city laws if it's inside the city limits. If everything is good, hunt awy.

If you will be hunting outside the city limits, you can rifle hunt. If you are in the Huntsville city limits you must hunt with a bow. The city of Huntsville actually has someone that will come and inspect the property that you want to hunt, and will give you a special shotgun permit if deemed safe. You just need to make sure that you have permission from the person(s) or firm that owns the parcels that you will be hunting. Obviously, all other laws and bag limits would apply. There is some very good hunting in and around the Huntsville area. If you have other questions, I would call the DCNR District 1 office, and ask for Joe Lindsey to give you a call back. He is one of the two GW's in Madison County. He is a very good officer and knowledgeable of the area.

Edge of town....big hill...empty lots...hmmmmmm

In side the city limits of Prattville you can hunt with a firearm as long as it is at least continuous 40 acres. I have been on many dove shoots behind the Liberty gas station. Just check with a knowledgeable legal sources for the ins and outs where you live.

Thanks for the quick responses guys! I don't have to worry about using a gun, I don't own one yet. I don't even own a bow, but a family friend lets me use his. I'm new to the hunting game so I'm trying to expand my directory of places to go. I'll give em' a call tomorrow just to make sure, but it sounds like I'll talking to the neighbors about deer patterns :P

Yeah. Hmmmm ...

I know you'd like to use a bow, or plan to. But IMO the neighborhood edges like you're talking about also are perfect for crossbows.

Once again showing why he's Aldeer's most powerful man. Some very solid advice right there.

When I say bow, I'm actually using a crossbow. I probably should be more specific.