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Since Catoctin Mountain Park was established in 1936, deer populations throughout the country have rebounded and are now higher than at any other time in their known history. By the 1970s, problems related to an overabundance of deer in the park were suspected. The National Park Service (NPS) and other researchers conducted multiple studies to document the size of the park’s deer population, as well as plant growth in the understory of the mature forest canopy. In areas where deer were excluded, plant species richness and abundance were significantly higher. Data indicated that by 2009, forest regeneration was nearly absent within the majority of the park, due in large part to high deer numbers.
The plan can be accessed via the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. Yes, venison will be donated to local food banks and other organizations, consistent with NPS public health guidelines. From 2010 to 2021, Catoctin Mountain Park donated 41,877 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations to serve those in need.
Hunting is not allowed in a national park unless it was specifically authorized in the legislation that established the park or by any subsequent law. The laws establishing Catoctin Mountain Park do not authorize hunting.
Deer density spotlight surveys have been conducted in the park since 1989. The highest deer density recorded was 193 deer per square mile in 2003. Before the first season of deer management began in February 2010, there were approximately 123 deer per square mile in the park. The initial deer density goal set forth in the EIS is 15-20 deer per square mile. This was achieved for the first time in January 2016. This goal is based on recent research conducted in eastern deciduous forests similar to Catoctin’s forest and may change based on the results of annual vegetation monitoring. Deer reduction will take place annually or as needed until the park reaches its goals for successful forest regeneration within the park.
Yes. As of 2009, there were 255 seedlings per acre in the park, compared to 2,547 per acre in forests of other national parks in the National Capital Area. As of 2022, the average tree seedling level at Catoctin was 4,845 per acre. This 19-fold increase in seedling density in just eleven years demonstrates that deer management can be an effective tool in promoting seedling regeneration.
The park participates in a CWD monitoring program. To date all results have been negative. This provides a high level of confidence that CWD does not currently exist in the deer population residing inside the park.
Yes. This plan is designed to bring the deer population to a level that allows the park’s forests to regenerate. White-tailed deer are part of the ecosystem, and future generations of park visitors will continue to have the opportunity to see deer.
The safety of park visitors and staff is our primary concern during deer reduction activities. Deer management occurs annually from January to April when park visitation is typically low. To assure visitor safety, certain areas of the park will be closed during reduction activities. Closure maps are available on the park website and closed areas will be clearly posted. Several parks in the National Capital Area are implementing white-tailed deer management plans: Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, National Capital Parks - East, and Rock Creek Park. Catoctin has actively worked to reduce deer populations since 2010 and as of 2023 has seen a more than 21-fold increase in tree seedling density. Catoctin Mountain Park will issue press releases to announce management actions and post the information on this website. Please e-mail us with any further questions.
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Last updated: March 5, 2024