Rockville will pilot an archery-only deer cull at Civic Center Park in the John Hayes Forest, in addition to continuing the city’s ongoing efforts to manage a growing white-tailed deer population, such as data collection, education and participation in a countywide deer-management working group.
As the number of deer have increased, so has the risk of vehicle accidents, damage to landscapes and forest ecosystems, and Lyme disease.
The pilot will allow hunting, with bows or crossbows within a strictly defined and sign-designated area of the park, by nonprofit deer-management organizations that meet stringent state and local regulations. The park will be closed during the hunting period.
