Morris Parks: White-Tailed Deer Management Program

Published on August 29, 2019

Hunt Schedule and Park Closures for 2019/2020

The Morris County Park Commission will be conducting its annual controlled deer hunt this fall and winter in accordance with its White-tailed Deer Management Program, which aims to improve forest health through management of the deer population. Controlled hunts are employed by the park system specifically as a population management tool.(JPG, 180KB)

The parks listed below will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC for firearm hunting all day on the specified dates listed below and will only be open to hunters with special access permits on those dates.

Black River Facilities, Chester Township

Includes Cooper Gristmill, Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum, and lands managed for Chester Township

December 2019 January 2020
9 Monday 9 Thursday
12 Thursday 16 Thursday
19 Thursday
Lewis Morris County Park

Harding, Mendham, and Morris Townships

December 2019 January 2020
11 Wednesday 8 Wednesday
13 Friday 15 Wednesday
18 Wednesday

Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between September and February, but these parks will remain open to the public. Click here for the full 2019/2020 hunting schedule.

The Morris County Park Commission is currently responsible for the stewardship of more than 20,000 acres of acres of land. It recognizes that a controlled hunting program is the most efficient and effective way available to minimize the severe threats posed to the biodiversity of native flora and fauna by overabundant white-tailed deer populations.

The Park Commission's controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool and do not represent recreational hunting opportunities.

Hunters interested in applying for the 2019/2020 program should contact the Natural Resources Unit at 973-285-6552 or mtrump@morrisparks.net

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