Dispatching deer legally in archery season

[Denis S]

Hi everyone. I searched for an answer here, but didn’t see it addressed recently. New to hunting, got my license and tags. I’m in Bucks Co (wmu 5D), so it’s either bow/crossbow or shotgun for me. How can I dispatch a wounded deer legally during archery season? I remembered reading in my license training materials that I can use a handgun and place a single shot to the skull, but I’m also reading regulations that I can’t use any firearms during a hunt in archery season. Please advise.

[Qtrborecrazy]

Hi everyone. I searched for an answer here, but didn*t see it addressed recently. New to hunting, got my license and tags. I*m in Bucks Co (wmu 5D), so it*s either bow/crossbow or shotgun for me. How can I dispatch a wounded deer legally during archery season? I remembered reading in my license training materials that I can use a handgun and place a single shot to the skull, but I*m also reading regulations that I can*t use any firearms during a hunt in archery season. Please advise.

If you can get close enough to put a bullet in the skull, why not another arrow to the vitals?

[bigandy1966]

Sicilian neck tie for does
Or I just slip the skinning knife between the ribs in the armpit and work it up and down a few times, bambi goes nite nite post haste
Dont use a firearm
On a buck with antlers you'll have to stay back or control the head then just shoot it in the heart

[Denis S]

Thanks guys, I get the idea.

[Hodgie]

If you can get close enough to put a bullet in the skull, why not another arrow to the vitals?

This.

[Steve in PA]

You cannot use a firearm during archery season to put down a deer. You can only do this during a season where the use of a firearm is allowed to take or put down an animal. And, it must be an allowed firearm....meaning you could not use a semi-auto handgun to finish off a game animal as they are not authorized for use.

[Denis S]

Thank you Steve and all. Looks like Bamby’s gonna need to expire on it’s own quick or I’m cutting it’s carotid.

[fistv]

Is that also true if it's hit by a car or other vehicle and badly damaged ?

[bigandy1966]

State law says no, Cops and game wardens are the people responsible for dispatching deer injured in motor vehicle accidents.

[knight0334]

Is that also true if it's hit by a car or other vehicle and badly damaged ?

Only wildlife officers, some veterinarians, and some other officers of the law are allowed to dispatch vehicular hit deer. PAGC will tell you to let nature take its course if you call. Sometimes they may send a WCO to finish it off if the officer is nearby.

However, it is not illegal to accidentally run the deer's neck/head over with your tire as you leave the scene. Logic would also dictate that, antlered deer would pose a risk to tires and other sensitive undercarriage things in such an accidental event.