Deer Management Program Underway In Cheltenham Twp.

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The township's 2024-2025 deer management season is starting on Saturday.

Township officials said deer hunts are planned at 12 passive open-space properties owned by the township.

The season marks the 8th straight year for the township, officials said.

The deer management program is performed by archers who are competent, experienced, careful, and cautiously safe.

"No guns of any kind are used in this program," township officials said. "The safety of our residents is of the highest priority."

This year's hunting season runs through Jan. 31, 2025, with a pause in hunting from Dec. 15-26.

Signs are posted to notify anyone attempting to enter these properties that the area is closed to all visitors.

Each hunter will carry identification badges on their person at all times while hunting on township property and display placards in their vehicles denoting that the vehicles is part of the deer management program.

Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise through 30 minutes after sunset, with 30 minutes before and after hunting hours to enter and vacate a site.

All authorized hunters will be carrying cards identifying them as members of the Cheltenham Deer Management program.

Hunting is not permitted between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, and there is no hunting on Sunday, township officials.

Residents are free and safe to be in the parks and open spaces during these hours.

The township believes the program will meet the goals of the township and its residents.

Many of the deer culled will be shared through the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program for families in need through distribution to local food pantries. Questions? Email Lauren Walter at lwalter@cheltenhampa.gov.

The hunts will be conducted at:

• Boyer Road Open Space
• Carroll Brooke Park
• Island by Chelten Hills Dr between Washington Lane and Church Rd.
• George A Perley Bird Sanctuary
• Glenwood Open Space
• Green Valley Open Space
• Rock Lane between Dell Lane and Washington Lane on the south side of the EP homes
• Tookany Open Space around the perimeter of Ashbourne Meadows
• Tookany Creek Parkway behind the Cheltenham Presbyterian Church
• Waverly Road Compost Facility
• Open Space bordering Wyngate Property
• Coventry Park