Wednesday, October 8, 2025
62.3 F
Beckley
More

    Harpers Ferry and nearby national parks to cull deer herds

    The will conduct deer management at national park areas at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and in nearby Virginia and Maryland through March, according to a press release from the service.

    Advertisement

    To protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes, the service will reduce the population beginning January 1 at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia and at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Catoctin Mountain and Antietam and Monocacy national battlefields beginning February 1. Operations at all parks will conclude March 31, 2022.

    Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during operations. Under the direction of National Park Service resource management specialists, and in coordination with law enforcement park rangers, highly trained firearms experts experienced in conducting wildlife reduction operations will primarily work at night when the parks are closed to the public in a manner proven safe and effective.

    Limited park areas will be temporarily closed while reduction operations are underway. Visitors and area residents are encouraged to check their local national park’s website for the most up-to-date information and are reminded to respect posted closures.

    Advertisement

    Hunting is illegal in these Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia national parks.

    Whenever possible, the park service will donate all suitable meat from reduction activities to local food banks, consistent with public health guidelines. Last year, these national parks donated more than 6,500 pounds of venison to local food banks.

    All five parks are implementing previously approved white-tailed deer management plans. This is the second season of deer management operations at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the fourth season for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the sixth season for Antietam and Monocacy national battlefields, and the 13th season for Catoctin Mountain Park.

    Overabundant deer populations damage vegetation and eat nearly all the tree seedlings, compromising the ability of forests to sustain themselves. Deer also damage the crops that are a key component of the historic setting in historical and battlefield parks.

    Advertisement

    Crop farming is part of important cultural landscapes whose preservation is mandated by these parks’ enabling legislation.

    Deer management has produced positive results at several area national parks, according to the park service. Catoctin Mountain Park has actively worked to reduce deer populations in the park since 2010 and has seen a 13-fold increase in seedling density over the past 12 years.

    Several additional national parks across the country actively manage deer populations including Rock Creek Park (D.C.), Gettysburg National Military Park (Pa.), Fire Island National Seashore (N.Y.), Valley Forge National Historical Park (Pa.), and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio).


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Will Reedy
    Will Reedyhttp://wvexplorer.com
    A consummate outdoorsman, Will Reedy has been hunting and fishing West Virginia since he was first able to wield rod and gun. He has been an outdoors writer for West Virginia Explorer since 2001.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Swing into autumn with West Virginia’s three new Almost Heaven swings

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of...

    Mysterious Wetzel County worm invasion wreaked havoc in West Virginia in 1918

    LITTLETON, W.Va. — In the summer of 1918, a...

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a...

    Risk of West Virginia wildfires increases in 2025 amid dry autumn conditions

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The crackle of autumn leaves underfoot...

    Polemic Run, West Virginia: A roadside journey hidden off the expressway

    BIRCH RIVER, W.Va. — Each day, more than 10,000...

    Topics

    Swing into autumn with West Virginia’s three new Almost Heaven swings

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of...

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a...

    Risk of West Virginia wildfires increases in 2025 amid dry autumn conditions

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The crackle of autumn leaves underfoot...

    Polemic Run, West Virginia: A roadside journey hidden off the expressway

    BIRCH RIVER, W.Va. — Each day, more than 10,000...

    Investigator: West Virginia ground-zero for UFO research, ET encounters

    GREEN BANK, W.Va. — A renowned paranormal investigator says...

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Autumn colors continue to unfold across 'Almost Heaven,' West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across 'Almost Heaven,'...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories