Deer hunters in Anne Arundel can head to Pasadena early on Wednesday to participate in a managed deer hunt.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks (AADRP) are conducting the hunt in hopes of reducing the deer population in the area.
The hunt will be held at the Magothy Greenway Natural Area, located off North Shore Road in Pasadena, on Wednesday from 4 a.m. to noon. Note that the park will be closed to the public during that time.
Officials see managed hunts as the best way to decrease deer overpopulation in the area.
“Lethal removal is the only feasible means for deer population control at this time, since contraception is not approved, the introduction of large predators is impractical, and no action is unacceptable and/or impossible,” according to a press release. “This is not a recreational program, but a management tool for use in areas where deer have exceeded the carrying capacity of the available habitat.”
To ensure the safety of those participating, hunters must go through an application process, providing proper gun registration, certifications, licensing and other safety precautions such as wearing fluorescent orange.
Hunters must pay a one-time $25 administrative fee and complete a hunter information form and background check authorization form in order to participate in the program.
For additional information, please contact Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Deer Management Program at rpdeer00@aacounty.org.
