Controlled Deer Hunt Planned at Presque Isle State Park
November 28, 2012
Erie- Please be advised that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is offering a three-day, combined antlered and antlerless deer hunt at Presque Isle State Park, Erie County. The hunt is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 5th through Friday, Dec. 7th to help reduce the park's deer population and keep it in balance with the unique ecosystem of the peninsula. When deer populations exceed an ideal carrying capacity, degradation of the park habitat can occur. On each day of the three-day hunt, 85 hunters will be allowed to hunt using shotguns with slugs, black-powder muzzleloaders, or archery equipment for both antlered and antlerless deer.
Individuals wishing to participate in the hunt must apply at the Presque Isle State Park Office (located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center) by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4th. The application process began on Monday, November 5, 2012. We have presently filled all of the allotted slots for the first day of the deer hunt on December 5th. Applications continue to be accepted for the second and third day of the hunt, December 6th and December 7th. Designated application times are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Mondays through Fridays) with the exception of Holidays. Applicants will be required to present a valid Pennsylvania Hunting License with an unused Erie County Antlerless Tag when signing up. Hunters not holding an Antlerless Tag will be able to sign up and hunt for antlered deer only. Holders of a DMAP permit will still have to register to participate in the hunt. This year, for those applicants that cannot sign up in person, phone calls will be accepted on Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. by calling (814)-833-7424. As you prepare for your call, please have available your valid Pennsylvania hunting license number for reference. Hunting licenses and DMAP permits will be confirmed in person every day of the hunt.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations on antler restriction for Erie County will apply. One application will be accepted per person. Successful applicants will be issued a permit as well as safety rules and maps showing open-hunting areas. The permit must be carried when reporting to the park for the hunt and while hunting, along with the required license and tag.
Immediately prior to legal hunting time on each day, a mandatory information and safety session will be held for the participants. Park officials and Wildlife Conservation Officers from the Game Commission will conduct this orientation. The park will be closed to general public use east of the Stull Interpretive Center from 5:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.
The public will be able to access the western portion of the park from the entrance to the Stull Center during the hunt, and the entire park after 2:00 p.m.For more details on the hunt, or information on Presque Isle State Park, call (814)833-7424. For information on any of Pennsylvania's 120 state parks, call toll-free 1-888-PA-PARKS, or visit DCNR's website at dcnr.state.pa.us, keyword "Presque Isle."
Persons needing an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability can contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: 1-888-PA-PARKS (voice); (717) 558-2710 (local or international TTY); 711 (PA AT&T Relay Service). With at least three days' notice interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available.
