Presque Isle State Park is preparing for a two-day deer hunt that will partially close the peninsula.
State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials announced in a news release that the hunt will take place in December and the application process will begin in November.
Why are deer hunted on Presque Isle?
DCNR said the hunt helps the park maintain healthy numbers of deer within the ecosystem and Presque Isle. When deer populations exceed an ideal carrying capacity, there may be degradation of park habitat, officials said.
When will the hunt take place?
The combined antlerless and antlerless deer hunt will take place Dec. 11 and 12 on Presque Isle.
On each day of the two-day hunt, up to 85 people are allowed to hunt with shotguns that are not semiautomatic and loaded with slug ammunition, black powder muzzleloaders or archery equipment, officials said.
Hunters must check in and out every day they hunt.
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How do I register for the Peninsula Hunt?
Hunters wishing to participate in the hunt must register at the park office at 814-833-7424 on weekdays beginning Nov. 12 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The registration deadline is December 6 at 2 p.m.
Information about required permits and tags can also be obtained by calling the park office.
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How does hunting affect the public?
According to the news release, the portion of the peninsula east of the Stull Center will be closed to the public until 2 p.m. on hunting days. Visitors can still access the western portion of the park from the Stull Center entrance during the hunt.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Presque Isle State Park deer hunt to last two days in December 2024
