One Day Shotgun Hunt Aimed At Thinning Deer Herd At Tyler State Park

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will hold a one day hunt to thin the antlered and antlerless deer herd at Tyler State Park.

The shotgun only hunt will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the park, which is located in Newtown and Northampton townships, according to DCNR officials.

The hunt is intended to reduce both the antlered and antlerless deer populations and to help maintain balance in the park’s ecosystem, said state park officials.

As with hunts held in the past, only shotguns will be permitted, using “00” buckshot, and will be limited to 150 hunters holding special state park permits.

The DCNR’s Bureau of State said it will be taking every precaution to ensure that the hunt is conducted safely.

“As a safety measure, safety zones, no hunting areas and park boundaries will be posted and strictly enforced,” said the DCNR. “Extra park rangers, wildlife conservation officers, and state police will be stationed throughout the park during the hunt. The park will be closed to other activities that day.”

According to the DCNR, wildlife biologists have determined that the deer population is adversely affecting the habitat at Tyler. “Deer impact the delicate balance of the park’s eco-system by over-browsing on tree saplings, forest understory, shrubs, and wildflowers.

“To that end large deer populations have caused damage to the park’s natural ecosystem, resulting in the severe reduction in the biological diversity of plant and animal species the area,” according to the DCNR.

In addition to Wednesday’s shotgun hunt, a regulated late season archery hunt is scheduled in the park north of Betz Hill Trail, including the covered bridge area, for a total of 500 acres.

The hunts will take place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 27. There will be a total of 60 permits issued with a maximum of 12 hunters per day in the hunting area. All hunters will be required to attend mandatory safety orientation.