Great Parks’ mission is to preserve and protect natural resources. One threat to the local species and their habitats is the overpopulation of deer. For the past 20 years, we have studied how white-tailed deer impact the parks, and in response to large increases in deer and the severe ecological damage that occurred, we began a Deer Management Program in January of 2003. This management includes continued monitoring of the population, vegetation surveys, culling and a lottery bow hunt, which began in 2005. Since implementing this plan, several years of data have shown more growth and flowering of native plants, as well as a less-visible browse line (Klein & Conover 2010). This plan also benefits the health of deer populations by reducing their competition for food and their risk of transmitting diseases, such as chronic wasting disease. Learn more about participating in the lottery bow hunt and helping our conservation efforts below.
Become a Bow Hunter
Thank you for your interest in our Controlled Bow Hunting Program. Applications for the 2023-2024 season are now open and will close on July 9th. After the application window closes, applicants will be notified by email regarding the program qualification process. All applicants must qualify for the program at the annual qualification event on August 5th and 6th. Information about the qualification process can be found in the Program Rules below.
Please email any questions to bowhunting@greatparks.org.