Deer Management Due to Start Again in Valley Forge Park

For the second year, Valley Forge National Historical Park will use sharpshooters and euthanasia to help reduce the deer population.

The lethal reduction will begin in November, according to a press release, and last through March. The reduction is part of a larger deer management plan and environmental impact statement.

Part of the plan includes reducing the herd from an estimated 241 deer per square mile down to 31 to 35 deer per square mile, or from 1,277 deer to 165 to 185 deer, according to a press release. The management plan, according to the release, addresses the effects of deer on the native forests. 

"The plan/[environmental impact study] addresses browsing of tree and shrub seedlings by an increasing deer population over the last two decades, which has prevented the ability of native forests to grow and mature and has reduced habitat for a range of native wildlife species," the press release states.

Sharpshooting and capture and euthanasia will be used during the lethal reduction phase. Each winter, deer will be killed until the herd reaches the desired numbers, and the deer will be counted in the springtime. After the herd is reduced to the desired number, the press release states that the park hopes to maintain those levels "through reproductive control, once an acceptable agent becomes available." 

Due to the suburban location of the park, there's a focus on safety during the lethal reduction operation, according to the press release issued Monday. The release states: 

• The park service will use qualified and experienced marksmen who know the park's geography and have experience in suburban areas.
• Reduction activities will occur only when the park is closed. 
• Safety zones will be set up, with bait used to get deer to the removal locations. 
• Shooting will be done from an elevated position with an adequate backdrop. 
• Special, non-lead ammunitiion will be used. This ammunition is safe in urban areas and in the environment.
• Township and state law enforcement officials, along with the state's game commission, will help with coordination of reduction activities. 

During last year's deer reduction, 600 deer were removed from the park over 16 nights between November and March. Venison was donated to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and doled out to charity organizations across 21 counties, the press release states. 

"A total of 18,330 pounds of venison was donated during winter 2010-2011, including 3,000 pounds of venison donated locally in Chester County," according to the press release.

As part of the operation, the National Park Service had 271 deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease, which is a fatal neurological disease, the press release states. All deer tested negative. The disease has been found approximately 200 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. 

To find out more information, visit the National Park Service page.