DNR Announces Deer Management Plan For Assateague Island State Park

ANNAPOLIS  — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) today announced a proposal to improve deer management at Assateague Island State Park (AISP). The proposal includes education of park visitors regarding the impacts of overabundant deer populations and human interaction with deer as well as incorporating archery hunting as a deer management tool.

Deer damage to native plant communities has exceeded tolerance limits at AISP. Enjoying wildlife at a distance is a cherished benefit of visiting a park, but too much interaction can be harmful. Thus, a key aspect of the plan is to educate campers and park visitors not to feed deer or otherwise approach them closely while recreating in the park.

The plan also proposes to permit licensed archery hunters on certain portions of the park after the camping loops are closed for the winter. Scouting days are proposed to begin on November 6 with hunting proposed to start on November 13. All state hunting regulations would apply. Access to the hunting areas will be by a sign-in board, and parking will be restricted to designated areas only. Several areas will be reserved for disabled hunters with a DNR Hunt from a Vehicle permit.

To review the proposal, visit www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/ or contact John Moulis at 410-827-8612 ext. 105. Comments will be accepted online at customerservice@dnr.state.md.us; by mail to Paul Peditto, Director, Wildlife and Heritage Service, E-1, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401; via phone at 410-260-8540 and by fax at 410-260-8596.