Managed Deer Hunts FAQ
Q: What is a managed hunt?
A managed hunt is a controlled deer hunt for the purpose of reducing and or maintaining deer numbers on parklands for the benefit of natural ecosystems, local farmers, citizen landscapes, reducing deer vehicle collisions (DVC’s) and an overall reduction of deer human conflict.
Q: What is meant by a “Lottery-Based Managed Hunt”?
A Lottery-based simply means that hunters, who have applied and met the MNCPPC qualifications for participation, are drawn at random for hunting dates and sites for which they have applied. This ensures a fair system for all participants.
Q: What qualifies a hunter to participate in a managed hunt?
All managed hunt participants must complete a written screening questionnaire delineating safety issues, personal experience and history, and personal motivations. If a hunter passes the screening, a background check is completed to ensure that he/she does not have a history of DNR violations. If the screening and background check are passed, the hunter must present his/her Hunter Safety Card, a current MD hunting license, and a State Shooter Qualification Card demonstrating his/her proficiency with the firearm they plan to use for the hunting program. Only then will the hunter be permitted to participate in the program.
Q: What happens with the deer that are harvested during managed hunts?
When a deer is harvested in a managed hunt, it becomes the hunter’s responsibility to see that the deer is processed and consumed in an appropriate fashion. Usually, this entails one or more of the following: the hunter keeps the deer him/herself, and has it butchered or butchers the meat him/herself for personal use, the hunter butchers the deer and gives the meat to family members or acquaintances, or the hunter drops the deer off at a butcher shop to be donated to a charitable organization such as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH).
Q: Why are some hunts closed to public participation?
There are some properties where it is not feasible to conduct a lottery style managed hunt for reasons such as access and limited acreage to allow for enough participants to justify a large staff contingent. Also, wildlife staff is limited and must prioritize its time commitment to areas where public safety, park use, and other issues is greatest. In these cases we invite specially qualified deer management groups to conduct similar hunts with limited supervision from staff. These groups meet strict requirements for safety, operation, and harvest.
Q: Isn’t there a better way to reduce deer human conflict than hunting?
There are many means either being researched or being practiced to reduce deer human conflicts showing varying levels of success. Depending on land uses, various methods can be employed such as: exclusionary fencing, chemical repellents, noise repellents, reflectors and other visual repellents and so on. Some of these methods can be effective at least some of the time and to varying degrees. However, there are often limiting factors such as local restrictions placed on landowners in terms of types of fencing or repellents used, overall cost to landowners, labor intensity. Overall, the only method proven to be effective and efficient is lethal deer management. Simply stated, fewer deer equals fewer conflicts. |
Q: What about birth control?
Currently there is research being conducted on contraceptives for white-tailed deer. In fact, there are two research projects underway here in Montgomery County! Unfortunately, that is where the technology remains at this time, in research of captive deer. Early results have shown that contraceptives can be effective, but practicality and efficiency remain at unacceptable levels, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of contraceptives in wild populations of deer. As more and more questions are answered, the closer we are to practical use of these drugs. Unfortunately, the remaining questions could take years to answer.
Q: Have there ever been any major injuries as a result of the managed hunting program?
No, since its inception, the managed hunting program has been strictly monitored, and safety has remained paramount throughout. To date there have been no serious injuries to hunters or citizens. MNCPPC makes it abundantly clear that safety is the #1 priority, and that there is a zero tolerance level for any behavior that could result in serious, negligent injury.
Q: Is Montgomery County the only county in Maryland that conducts managed hunts?
No, in fact, Howard County conducts managed hunts in its park system, and the Maryland DNR runs managed hunting operations on various State Park lands in nearby counties as well. Managed hunting programs are becoming increasingly common in similar urban/suburban areas throughout the country.
Q: I would like an opportunity to comment on such programs. How can my voice be heard?
By reading this, you are taking the first step in learning about what is taking place! MNCPPC encourages all citizens to exercise their rights to voice their opinions. Simply call or write to your local, county and state officials and express your concerns. Your voice is important whether you are in support of current management practices or whether you oppose current management. Comment may be submitted to the Department of Parks by e-mail at MCP-deermanagement@mncppc-mc.org.
Q: How can I become a hunter myself?
To learn more about becoming a participant in the Montgomery County managed hunting program please phone Wildlife Staff at (301) 949-4135. |
