Deer-hunting lottery for Enterprise Park

Scores of bow hunters are expected to be at Riverhead Town Hall Tuesday at 6 p.m. to take part in a lottery to determine who gets to hunt for deer in each of nine areas within the town-owned Enterprise Park at Calverton.

Much of the 3,000-acre industrial park is undeveloped, with woods and marshlands — a habitat where deer can be found all year long.

About 100 hunters took part in the bow-hunting lottery last year, the first time the town held one.

Hunters will write their names on slips of paper, which will be mixed in a drum. One name at a time will be picked. Weekend hunting slots are expected to be filled quickly.

If any slots are left after the lottery, hunters can reserve those remaining spaces by going to the town clerk’s office on Wednesday.

In all cases, hunters have to show proof of residence. While hunters must be licensed by New York State, and deer weigh-ins will be done at a state Department of Environmental Conservation check station, the town — just like any private property owner — can determine who is allowed to hunt on its land, and has reserved the hunt for Riverhead town residents.