Annual Archery Deer Hunt Planned at Neshaminy State Park

BENSALEM, Pa., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An annual deer hunt again will enable archers to hunt in Neshaminy State Park, Bucks County, when Pennsylvania's statewide archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 29, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) officials announced today.

The park's permitted archery hunt will begin two weeks later than in previous years. A total of 80 permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

To participate, hunters first must register at the Neshaminy State Park Office beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, Neshaminy State Park Manager Josh Swartley said.  To register, hunters must bring the following to the park office on the sign-up date: their Pennsylvania hunting license; archery license; proof of identification; and vehicle registration.

Registered hunters will be required to attend a safety meeting prior to the hunt where hunt rules and regulations will be reviewed, and permits will be distributed.

"Starting on Sept. 29, hunting will be allowed during the regular archery season for deer, as established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Our goal is to help reduce the park's deer population and keep it in balance with the unique ecosystem of the park," Swartley said. "The current deer population is adversely impacting woodland regeneration and the park's natural resources."

Hunters may take antlered deer as well as antlerless deer if the archers possess a valid antlerless license for Wildlife Management Unit 5D.  

The park will remain open to the general public during the hunt. Hunting will not be permitted in safety zones and certain designated areas within the park. A map showing these areas is available at the park office.

Portable tree stands will be permitted, but must comply with Game Commission regulations governing their use on public land. Archers may harvest no animals other than deer.

For more details on the hunt, or information on Neshaminy State Park, call 215-639-4538, or visit the park office at 3401 State Road, Bensalem.                                                    

For information on any of Pennsylvania's 120 state parks, call toll-free 1-888-PA-PARKS; or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select State Parks under Quick Links).

Persons needing special accommodations to participate in park activities due to a disability should contact the Bureau of State Parks: 1-888-PA-PARKS (voice); 717-558-2711 (local or international TTY); and 1-800-654-5984 (PA AT&T Relay Service).     

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources