Managed Hunt Plan

Managed Deer Hunt Brochure 2011-2012 Information Sheet 2010-11 Hunt Totals 2011-12 Hunt Dates Managed Hunt Application

Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to continue the established framework for reducing deer damage to watershed forests and surrounding property, given the lack of native canopy species recruitment and documented depredation to adjacent landscaping and agriculture. Although these managed hunts are not designed as a recreational opportunity, it is important to note that public interest and participation in our Program is very high. The Program is a management tool in areas where deer have exceeded the carrying capacity of the available habitat.

Need

Development surrounding WSSC watershed property has taken place at an aggressive pace, resulting in habitat reduction for the deer herd, while the deer population in general has been estimated to be many times the recommended carrying capacity. Estimates from within Montgomery and Howard Counties have ranged from 175 to an astounding 448 (FLIR count) deer per square mile in park areas. Deer densities over 15 per square mile can begin to cause ecological impacts to area forests, and the elevated deer population has resulted in severe damage to the watershed forest and its ability to sustain itself.

Concern for agricultural crops and landscaping as well as for the health and safety of nearby residents has increased. For example, we have been informed that 50% of the households in Fox Haven, an adjacent development in Howard County, have suffered cases of Lyme disease. Further, local conservation groups and agencies such as the Montgomery Soil Conservation District and the Forest Conservancy District Board have recognized the need to reduce the deer herd on area forest properties.

The DNR and WSSC watershed staff have frequently met with local homeowner associations and farmers in response to deer damage complaints.

Elements of the Program

• Open bow hunting areas will remain the same.
• Managed hunt areas are field checked by the hunt manager to determine the feasibility of hunting the area.
• Currently it is anticipated that there will be 9 hunt areas on the Triadelphia/Rocky Gorge watershed and one at the Piscataway WWTP. All have been hunted previously.
• The number of hunters in each area will be determined by the hunt manager and DNR, and reviewed for safety considerations by the Office of Security and Safety Services.
• Applications for the managed hunts will be authored by the hunt manager.
• Applications will be made available online, at Brighton Dam or may be requested by calling 301-774-9124.
• The hunt manager will maintain a list of successful applicants from which hunters will be selected.
• Hunt vacancies will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Applicants may be approved to hunt on more than one occasion.
• Hunt locations within hunt areas will be assigned to applicants by the hunt manager for open dates.
• All deer killed on WSSC managed hunts must be checked in at Brighton Dam at the end of each hunt day.
• Deer harvested will not count against the State bag limit.
• All deer must also be checked in as required by State Regulations.
• Watershed use permits will be required for all hunters over 16 and under 65 years of age ($5 per day or $60 per year).
• Hunters will be allowed to harvest three antlered deer and an unlimited number of antlerless deer.
• Two antlerless deer must be taken before the second antlered deer can be taken, and two more antlerless deer must be taken before a third antlered deer may be killed.
• All hunters must sign in at Brighton Dam on the morning of a hunt between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.
• All managed hunts end at 12:00 noon and hunters must sign out at Brighton Dam regardless of success.