NEWS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COURT HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA., BOX 311, 19404-0311
PHONE (610) 278-3061 FAX 278-5943
COMMISSIONERS:
THOMAS JAY ELLIS, ESQ. Chairman, JAMES R. MATTHEWS , RUTH S. DAMSKER
RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY 08/31/07 PR#07-34
DEER HUNT SCHEDULED FOR LORIMER PARK
NORRISTOWN — The Montgomery County Parks Department will conduct a seventh controlled hunt for whitetail deer in Lorimer Park, Abington, in an effort to control and maintain the herd.
The hunt at Lorimer Park was first undertaken in 2001 at the request of Abington Township officials and residents who live near the park because of the high number of deer/vehicle accidents, destruction of landscaping and concerns over Lyme Disease. There was also heavy damage to vegetation inside the park because of the deer overpopulation.
Hunters have taken an average of 17 deer every years since the hunts began. As a result of these hunts, and removals done by the Fairmount Park Commission in neighboring Pennypack Park, vegetation is rebounding.
Local deer/vehicle accidents have stabilized since the hunt began. The number of accidents dropped from 28 in 2001 to 17 in 2002, 18 in 2004, 11 in 2005 and 14 in 2006.
Counts done in this past winter, before fawns were born, found an estimated deer population of 43. That is compared to 35 deer in 2005, 33 deer in 2004, 43 in 2002 and 70 in 2001.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission standards state that a healthy population is about 10 deer per square mile. Lorimer Park is about half of a square mile and should sustain a herd of 5-7 deer.
The hunt will take place on Monday, November 5, 2007 and will be performed using conventional archery equipment or crossbows. Lorimer Park will be closed to all other visitor activities on this date.
Buck and/or antlerless deer may be harvested, however, all participants
must possess an antlerless deer tag for Wildlife Management Unit 5D.
Hunters interested in participating should mail or drop-off a 3”x 5” card with their name, address, telephone number, PA hunting license number and WMU Area 5D antlerless tag number, along with a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to: Lorimer Park, 183 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.
A lottery will be used to pick 50 qualified hunters. Applications must be received by park closing time on Sunday, September 30, 2007. Only one permit will be issued per person. Only those chosen will be permitted on the park grounds that day. All hunting activity will be under the direct supervision of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
For additional information, please call the Lorimer Park office, 215-947-3477, Monday through Friday, 8am till 4pm.
