Public Deer Hunt To Be Held In Norristown, Population Out Of Control

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown is holding a public deer hunt in an effort to control the population, with officials noting that deer numbers have grown to three times the number of what the land can sustain.

The hunt will take place throughout October in Norristown Farm Park and will be open to hunters who apply to join the lottery to participate.

Hunters are encouraged to keep the deer they kill, but they can also donate the meat to food banks. During 2022's hunt, nearly 1,700 pounds of food were donated.

“Population counts conducted by the USDA earlier this year showed a higher than expected deer density within the park, even before the fawning season," park officials said in a statement.

Experts say that the Farm Park's ecosystem can support up to 40 deer, but there are currently more than 150.

Some consequences include accidents with cars and the increased spread of diseases like Lyme's disease and chronic wasting disease.

Only antlerless deer may be hunted. Hunters must be at least 21 years old, and possess at least one antlerless deer tag for Wildlife Management Unit 5D.

The lottery drawing will take place on Friday, September 8, at 1 p.m.

To apply, mail a card with your name, legal address, telephone number, driver’s license number, PA hunting license number, and a WMU 5D antlerless tag number. The card must be postmarked and sent to Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403. Write "deer hunt" in the lower left corner of the envelope.