Montgomery Parks will begin its annual deer population management program in September, with operations continuing through March 2027 in an effort to reduce the impacts of an overabundant deer population. This year’s program will take place in 62 parks and include a combination of managed archery hunts, firearms-managed hunts and park police sharpshooting operations.
The program, which began 30 years ago, is intended to reduce deer-related vehicle crashes, protect natural habitats and agriculture, and address other issues associated with high deer populations. Since its inception, 26,330 deer have been removed through the program, and more than 428,000 pounds of venison from park police sharpshooting operations have been donated to the Capital Area Food Bank since 1999.
Archery hunts will take place in 35 parks from September through January without park closures, while firearms-managed hunts will occur in nine parks, which will close to the public for 24 hours during operations. Park police sharpshooting operations will be conducted overnight in 22 parks from mid-January through March 31, with affected parks closed from sunset to sunrise. Montgomery Parks said advance notice signs will be posted at park entrances, parking lots, trails and nearby communities before operations begin.
Park officials are also reminding drivers to use extra caution this fall as deer activity increases, particularly during the breeding season and around dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
