Deer Hunts in Montgomery County Parks
Beginning on October 28, 2014, several of the parks in Montgomery County, Maryland will be closed intermittently while deer hunters thin the expanding deer population. These hunts are part of the annual deer management operations.
“Montgomery County has proven to be a very conducive environment for deer population growth,” said Montgomery Parks Wildlife Ecologist Bill Hamilton in a news release. “An expansive patchwork of public and private green space provides excellent edge habitat rich with food and cover. These habitat features and limited opportunities for hunting provide the perfect environment for unchecked population growth in the absence of natural predators.”
The booming deer population has resulted in an increase in resident complaints, including deer-related car accidents, damage to crops and gardens and concerns about Lyme disease.
Deer hunts as well as Park Police-based sharpshooting will take place in 28 Montgomery County parks. Montgomery Parks ensures operations are carried out in a safe and humane manner. More details about the programs can be found online.
Comments(9)