White-Tailed Deer Management

The National Park Service (NPS) implemented a deer management plan for Antietam National Battlefield beginning in 2017. The purpose of the plan, approved in 2014, was to develop a deer management strategy that supports preservation of the historic battlefield landscape by protecting and restoring native plants and other natural and cultural resources.

Although relatively rare at the turn of the twentieth century, white-tailed deer populations in the Mid-Atlantic region have grown during recent years. Deer thrive on food and shelter available in the "edge" habitat conditions created by suburban development. Landscape fragmentation and increased development have also reduced suitable hunting opportunities outside the park, while inside the park hunting is prohibited by law.

The size and density of the deer herd has increased substantially in Antietam National Battlefield. Research has shown that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 20 per square mile. Plant monitoring in recent years has documented the effects of the large herd size on forest regeneration in the park. In addition, deer browsing has damaged crops and other plants that are key components of the historic landscape. It is critical to the mission of Antietam National Battlefield to preserve and rehabilitate important cultural landscapes.

Extensive safety measures will be in place to protect park visitors and neighbors during deer population reduction operations. Suitable venison will be donated to local food banks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Deer Management Plan?

The purpose of the Antietam National Battlefield White-tailed Deer Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (plan/EIS) is to provide an effective deer management strategy that supports long-term protection, preservation, and restoration of native vegetation, wildlife and other natural and cultural resources in the battlefield, including viable crop yields for cooperating farmers.

What is the problem with deer in the battlefield?

Deer eat a variety of plants, including young trees. The overpopulation of white-tailed deer on the battlefield has caused harm to the resources by limiting forest regeneration and structure in the forest canopy. This has created an “unhealthy” forest where invasive exotic species thrive, which harms birds and other wildlife.

Agricultural crop yields on the battlefield are impacted by browsing from overabundant deer. This has created a hardship for our cooperators and could result in the loss of farming in the park.

Vehicle collisions on the State highway are also a concern for visitor and public safety.

What is the selected alternative and what management actions are included?

The selected alternative from the plan/EIS (Alternative D) incorporates lethal and nonlethal actions to reduce and then maintain the deer population at a level that protects native plant communities, promotes forest regeneration and habitat, and allows for successful crop production to maintain the historic scene.

Lethal reduction via sharpshooting will be used to reduce the deer population and achieve the initial deer density goal. It is anticipated that it will take three to five years of deer management actions to reach the target deer density. Deer density and vegetation growth will be monitored annually, and reduction will take place as needed to maintain the desired density.

Why not use reproductive control agents?

For a control agent to be acceptable, NPS has established that it must:

* Be federally approved for application to free ranging populations.
* Provide multi-year efficacy (3-5yrs.)
* Leave no hormonal residue in meat.
* Result in acceptable levels of reduction.

At this time, no acceptable and effective reproductive control agents are available.

What about chronic wasting disease (CWD)?

The park participates in a CWD monitoring program. CWD has been present in Maryland since 2010, and in 2024 for the first time, the park received positive CWD test results for 2 animals in the park. All venison from deer testing positive for CWD is destroyed.

Was the public involved in the decision-making process for the Deer Management Plan?

Yes, two public meetings were held during the development of the plan/EIS. Public comments were taken and considered in the preparation of the plan/EIS. Comments and responses to them are included in the document.

Is the decision final?

Yes, the NPS selected a final deer management alternative and the decision is final. The Record of Decision documents NPS approval of the plan, selects the alternative to be implemented, and sets forth stipulations required for implementation. It was signed by the NPS National Capital Regional Director in the summer of 2014.

Will the NPS provide more specific information on when and where deer management activities are taking place?

To make this action as safe as possible for park visitors, neighbors and staff, we will share specific information on these actions with local law enforcement and other state and local officials to ensure coordination. The details of implementation – including what, when and where actions on the ground will take place – will not be provided to the public.

How does the NPS make sure the public is safe? Who is conducting the action?

The park’s top priority is the safety of park visitors, neighbors, and staff. Extensive safety measures will be put into place to ensure a safe and successful operation. Safety measures will include:

* Conduct lethal reduction activities when visitation is low and close affected areas to the public during day-time operations;

* Conduct all activities involving firearms in compliance with federal firearms laws administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives;

* Prohibit lethal reduction activities from taking place within established safety zones along the park boundary, open roadways and occupied buildings;

* Conduct shooting actions from an elevated position, such as a hilltop or a truck bed, and with earthen backstops when possible;

* Use specialized ammunition that does not contain lead; and

* Position NPS personnel to patrol the battlefield during removal actions to ensure compliance with park closures and public safety measures and accompany USDA-WS teams in the field.

Will the meat be donated?

Yes, venison is donated to local food banks and other organizations, consistent with NPS public health guidelines. All CWD positive meat is destroyed.
In 2023, seven national parks in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia donated more than 12,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofits that serve those in need.

Why don’t you allow hunting at the battlefield to control the deer population?

Hunting isn’t allowed in a national park unless it was specifically authorized in the legislation that established the park or by any subsequent law. The laws establishing these parks do not authorize hunting.

How much does it cost?

Deer management is an important tool in protecting long term forest health and preserving the historic setting at Antietam National Battlefield. Deer management costs include: wages, housing, and equipment and supplies for firearms experts; testing deer for chronic wasting disease, professional venison processing, and travel to processor and food banks.

Average annual expenditures for Antietam (based on 2017-2021 seasons) are $36,051.

Once the deer population inside the battlefield is reduced, won’t deer move into the battlefield from surrounding areas and remaining deer simply reproduce more?

The plan/EIS is intended to guide long-term management of white-tailed deer in the battlefield. While the reproductive rate of deer may increase in response to a decrease in the overall population and some deer may move into the park from the surrounding area, future deer removal actions would take into consideration any population growth and adjust management actions as needed.

Will I still be able to see deer when I’m at the battlefield?

Yes. This plan is designed to bring the deer population to a level that allows the park’s forests to regenerate and the crop fields to be productive to maintain the historic battlefield landscape. White-tailed deer are part of the ecosystem, and future generations of park visitors will continue to have the opportunity to see deer on the battlefield.

Are there other National Park Service areas with deer management plans?

Eight parks in the National Capital Area are implementing white-tailed deer management plans: Antietam National Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, National Capital Parks - East, and Rock Creek Park. Catoctin has actively worked to reduce deer populations since 2010 and has seen a more than 21-fold increase in tree seedling density.

National Park Service areas in other regions are actively performing deer management including Gettysburg National Military Park, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Fire Island National Seashore, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

How can I stay updated on deer management?

Antietam National Battlefield will announce management actions on the park website and post additional information to this page. Email us if you have further questions.

 

More information:

Deer Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement 2014