Bow Hunting

One threat to local species and their habitats is the overpopulation of deer. For the past 20 years, Great Parks has monitored how white-tailed deer impact the parks. In response to significant increases in deer populations and the severe ecological damage that resulted, Great Parks began a Deer Management Program in 2003. This management includes continued population monitoring, vegetation surveys, culling and a lottery bow hunt. Since implementing this plan, several years of data have shown more growth and flowering of native plants and a less visible browse line. 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.