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| Pictured: A noticeable browse line and damage from over-browsing deer. |
Deer Management
Archery Program
For several years, the park district has attempted to reduce deer density levels in its parks and conservation areas in order to restore and maintain a balanced ecosystem. Regionally and throughout the state, changes in habitat and the elimination of natural predators have allowed deer herds to grow to unnatural densities.
In some areas, deer densities have been documented at more than 200 per square-mile. Densities that exceed 20 per square-mile are associated with threats to biodiversity.
The impacts of deer browse on plant communities are witnessed throughout the forest ecosystem, and browse affects other wildlife such as songbirds that nest in the forest understory.
Archery Program
As part of its ongoing deer management program, the park district has permitted hunting by bow and arrow in four areas during the 2008-09 hunting season. Participation is limited to Summit County residents who passed an archery test and whose names were chosen by lottery Wednesday, August 27. More than 800 people participated in the lottery and thirty-four permits were distributed, each valid for up to two qualified hunters.
The hunting areas include portions of the Columbia Run and Quick Road conservation areas, both in Boston Township; Pond Brook Conservation Area in Twinsburg Township; and Furnace Run Metro Park in Richfield. Selected areas are remote and have limited public access.
Hunters must follow the hunting guidelines established by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and agree to harvest a doe before taking a buck.
Read the complete Rules & Regulations for the park district's archery program.
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