WHEATON, Md.—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 that 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.
Feedback
More information about Montgomery Parks deer management program can be found on the program’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Questions or comments regarding deer management programming may be directed to: Info@montgomeryparks.org or 2425 Reedie Drive, 2nd Floor | Wheaton, MD 20902 ATTN: Customer Service Office. Please include your full name and address to allow for record-keeping and response as appropriate. For more information on the deer population in Montgomery County, please visit the deer management webpage online.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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