Cull and hunting activities have occurred annually at the Norristown Farm Park since 2005 as part of the park’s evolving wildlife management program. A cull involving the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2023 produced 1700 pounds of venison which was donated to local food banks. Hunters participating in the lottery drawn archery hunt this past October removed nine deer.
Surveys in 2024 conducted by USDA Wildlife Services conclude that there are an estimated 122 deer on the property, down from 133 in 2023. Biologists nationwide recommend 20-30 deer per square mile. Norristown Farm Park is 690 acres and the perimeter is one square mile. This past year the three local municipalities sharing boundaries with the Farm Park reported a combined 47 deer vehicle collisions.
Deer culls serve to reduce deer populations with the goal of balancing the size of the herd with the available resources. Culls reduce crop damage, lessen deer collisions with cars, and decrease damage to the park’s vegetation and residential landscapes. Closely managing the deer population assists in reducing the spread of wildlife borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and chronic wasting disease (CWD), while improving the health and the vigor of the remaining herd.
As in the past, this year’s cull will take place after hours using highly trained USDA Wildlife Services personnel. The entire operation will be closely monitored by officials from various agencies and will take place after hours when the park is closed to the public. The park will be patrolled continuously to ensure public safety. There will be no impact to park visitors, neighboring residents, or nearby properties.
Residents with questions should contact the Norristown Farm Park office at (610) 270-0215.
About Norristown Farm Park
Norristown
Farm Park has a variety of buildings and open fields that represent a
diverse history of farming, manufacturing and institutional
associations. The buildings date from the mid-18th century through the
early 20th century and at various times were part of mills, a tannery,
farms, and the Norristown State Hospital. The unique and breath-taking
beauty of the woods and agricultural fields, combined with a stocked
trout stream, the Norristown Farm Park has it all.
Where else can a visitor bicycle, walk, hike, run, jog, picnic, fish in a stocked trout stream, walk their dog, or view wildlife in their natural habitats? The Park has over eight miles of paved trails and there are several rustic nature trails available for the adventuresome. Norristown Farm Park is right where you can do all these pleasurable pastimes and more!
The Farm Park is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is operated and maintained by Montgomery County. This unique relationship blends recreational opportunities and agricultural activities.
The park is open daily, 6 a.m. to sunset. The Farm Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
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