MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Park Commission will be conducting a controlled deer hunt in accordance with its White-tailed Deer Management Program which aims to improve forest health in the parks through the management of the deer population. These controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool.
The following parks will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC all day on the specified dates and will only be open to hunters with special access permits. Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between now and February but these parks will remain open to the public.
Lewis Morris County Park’s hunts begin December 2 and will be held on Wednesdays through February 10, in parts of Harding, Mendham, and Morris Townships that the park covers.
Black River County Park in Chester, which includes Cooper Mill, Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum, and lands managed for Chester Township, will be closed to the public for the hunt on Thursdays.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area – covering parts of Kinnelon, Boonton, and Montville Township – will be closed for hunts on Thursdays in December and Fridays in January. The park will also be closed Friday, February 5, and Thursday, February 11, for hunts.
All hunts begin the first week of December and run through February 11, excluding the final two weeks of December for holidays.
Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between now and February but those parks will remain open to the public.
The Morris County Park currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites. For additional information, including a complete hunting schedule, click here.
