White-tailed Deer Management

Cuyahoga Valley National Park manages white-tailed deer populations to protect forest health and native plant communities. High deer populations can negatively affect vegetation, wildlife habitat, and long-term forest regeneration.

The National Park Service (NPS) has been studying and monitoring the deer population in the park since the late 1980s. Cuyahoga Valley's White-tailed Deer Management Plan, approved in 2014, provides the park with a long-term approach to address high deer populations that are adversely affecting the park's vegetation and other wildlife. NPS secures permits by the Ohio Division of Wildlife to use sharpshooting on park property to reduce deer populations during winter months. NPS contracts with the Wildlife Services branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA-WS) to provide experienced and trained staff to implement the deer program.

Most culling activities occur away from established trails, in open fields and meadows using truck mounted platforms or tree stands to ensure the humane and safe removal of deer. NPS works with partners for meat processing and donation to area food banks.

Activities take place between dusk and midnight, on weekdays (Monday through Thursday). At times, specific areas are temporarily closed to ensure public safety. NPS staff patrol the park during removal actions to ensure compliance with park closures and public safety measures, and accompany USDA-WS teams in the field.

The safety of the public is our first priority as we implement this resource management program. Local law enforcement agencies are notified of this activity and work with the park on any closures.

If you have questions about this program, please e-mail us.