Montgomery Parks will begin its annual deer population management operations in September 2024 and continue through March 2025 to address the overpopulation of deer in the county. During this time, hunters will cull deer in 59 parks through archery and firearms hunting programs, or park police sharpshooting operations. Signs alerting the public to deer population management programs are posted in advance throughout affected parks and in nearby communities. A complete schedule of program dates and locations is available online.
Archery and Firearms Managed Hunting: Archery and firearms-managed deer hunting are conducted by qualified, pre-screened hunters, under the direction and oversight of Montgomery Parks professional staff. Archery-managed deer hunting occurs from September through January, in 31 parks, with minimal impact on public use. Firearms-managed deer hunting takes place in nine parks which are closed to the public for each 24-hour period while operations are underway.
Park Police-based Sharpshooting Operations: Park police-based sharpshooting operations are conducted at night by trained and certified park police sharpshooters, in cooperation with Montgomery Parks’ wildlife ecologists, from mid-January to March 31. Nineteen parks are included in this year’s operations. These parks, including all trails, are closed during the operations from sunset to sunrise.
Deer Management: Montgomery Parks’ deer management program addresses deer overpopulation in many areas of the county. The county’s blend of urban, suburban, rural, and agricultural areas creates habitat for deer to forage and seek cover. With few natural predators, deer populations flourish and can lead to deer-automobile accidents, excessive damage to the environment, destruction of private landscapes and agriculture, and concerns over disease. “Our deer management program aims to restore balance, address public safety concerns, and protect natural resources, while also benefiting the remaining deer population,” said Montgomery Parks Wildlife Ecologist David Petersen. “Ensuring that management operations are conducted safely is our highest priority.”
The deer population management program is carried out across sixty percent of Montgomery Parks’ land. The program is in its 28th year. Venison is utilized by hunting participants or donated to charitable organizations. All venison from park police operations is donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. To date 399,000 pounds have been donated.