At a pair of public hearings, some hunters gave their support to running the annual deer hunting season into January to reduce the Island's deer population. Others focused on different measures, such as allowing hunting on Sundays.

Deer hunting on the Island saw a notable decline this season, prompting officials to consider extending the season for the first time in the state’s history.

Blake Wasson has been hunting since he was a kid. For him, it is a way to honor the forests and spend time outdoors. Recently, he has taught himself how to tan hides and make decorative pieces.

Astrid Tilton, the gleaning manager for Island Grown Initiative, said that last year the organization helped provide 600 pounds of venison to Vineyarders.

Archery season for deer has wrapped up its third week on the Island, and in a mild autumn with leaves only just beginning to turn, hunters are calling it a good season so far.

Deer season begins today, Oct. 7 and continues through Dec. 31. Hunting is permitted Monday through Saturday, a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.

Vineyard hunters had a successful season, bringing in the fourth-highest number of deer since the state began collecting data 40 years ago.

The eight-week bow season showed an increase of 23 per cent in zone 13, which includes the Vineyard and surrounding Elizabeth Islands. Archers pulled in 291 deer this year compared to 236 in 2022. 

Deer hunting season began on the Island Oct. 2 and continues through Dec. 30. The season opens with bow hunting, followed by shotgun and primitive firearms seasons on Nov. 27 and Dec. 11, respectively.