Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year Sept. 17
News Date: Monday, August 29, 2022
For Immediate Release
County of Berks Press Release
Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year on September 17
Reading, PA
For Immediate Release
County of Berks Press Release
Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year on September 17
Reading, PA— 8/29/2022 —
The County of Berks is preparing to start the second year of the
Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program in September to help reduce deer populations
to alleviate any negative impact to the park and create a balanced ecosystem. The Antietam
Lake Park Deer Management Program is a joint venture between the Berks County Parks and
Recreation Department and USDA Wildlife Services that was approved by the Berks County
Commissioners in April 2021.
The overarching goals of the program are to reduce damage to park land and forest
property, minimize the threat of disease, reduce deer-related accidents and re-balance the
ecosystem. The white-tailed deer is one of the most influential wildlife species in Pennsylvania’s
forested ecosystems. However, when their population is out of balance with their habitat, deer
can negatively affect County forests and parks by over-browsing tree seedlings, shrubs and
wildflowers. Over-browsing alters the diversity and habitat for other forest mammals and
birds, eliminates the shrub layer, greatly reduces the diversity of forest-floor plant species and
creates a flooding risk.
The program will begin on September 17 and continue until January 28, 2023. During
that span, there are only three Sundays when the program will operate: November 13, 20 and
27. This is a controlled hunting program that will entail the use of archery equipment by
experienced archers only, following all Pennsylvania Game Commission rules. Participating
hunters were selected after completing an application process, passing a proficiency test and
attending an orientation which included safety and hunting ethics. All hunters will carry a
hunting permit card for identification purposes. Hunting is permitted to take place from 30
minutes before sunrise and continue until 30 minutes following sunset. No hunting is allowed
within the Parks without authorization from USDA Wildlife Services with a valid permit.
Any hunters who are interested in information about how to become part of the
program should contact the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department at 610-372-8939 or
email parks@countyofberks.com.
Stephanie Weaver, Public Relations Officer
Office: 610-478-6136 x6112
Cell: 610-816-1242
Email: sweaver@countyofberks.com
www.CountyofBerks.com
www.DoYourPartBerks.com
County of Berks Press Release
Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program to begin second year on September 17
Reading, PA— 8/29/2022 —
The County of Berks is preparing to start the second year of the
Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program in September to help reduce deer populations
to alleviate any negative impact to the park and create a balanced ecosystem. The Antietam
Lake Park Deer Management Program is a joint venture between the Berks County Parks and
Recreation Department and USDA Wildlife Services that was approved by the Berks County
Commissioners in April 2021.
The overarching goals of the program are to reduce damage to park land and forest
property, minimize the threat of disease, reduce deer-related accidents and re-balance the
ecosystem. The white-tailed deer is one of the most influential wildlife species in Pennsylvania’s
forested ecosystems. However, when their population is out of balance with their habitat, deer
can negatively affect County forests and parks by over-browsing tree seedlings, shrubs and
wildflowers. Over-browsing alters the diversity and habitat for other forest mammals and
birds, eliminates the shrub layer, greatly reduces the diversity of forest-floor plant species and
creates a flooding risk.
The program will begin on September 17 and continue until January 28, 2023. During
that span, there are only three Sundays when the program will operate: November 13, 20 and
27. This is a controlled hunting program that will entail the use of archery equipment by
experienced archers only, following all Pennsylvania Game Commission rules. Participating
hunters were selected after completing an application process, passing a proficiency test and
attending an orientation which included safety and hunting ethics. All hunters will carry a
hunting permit card for identification purposes. Hunting is permitted to take place from 30
minutes before sunrise and continue until 30 minutes following sunset. No hunting is allowed
within the Parks without authorization from USDA Wildlife Services with a valid permit.
Any hunters who are interested in information about how to become part of the
program should contact the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department at 610-372-8939 or
email parks@countyofberks.com.
###
For more information, press only:Stephanie Weaver, Public Relations Officer
Office: 610-478-6136 x6112
Cell: 610-816-1242
Email: sweaver@countyofberks.com
www.CountyofBerks.com
www.DoYourPartBerks.com