Berks County is preparing for the start of the 2023-2024 Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program. The archery-only hunting season will begin on September 16, 2023, and run through January 27, 2024. Hunting will be prohibited on Sundays with the exception of November 12, 19, and 26, when it will be permitted. Hunting will be permitted 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes following sunset.
The Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program is a joint venture between the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department and USDA Wildlife Services, who also manage hunting programs for the City of Reading and Berks Nature. No hunting will be allowed in Antietam Lake Park without authorization from USDA Wildlife Services and a valid permit. Archery hunters must follow all Pennsylvania Game Commission rules.
Hunters selected to participate in the program will complete the application process, pass a proficiency test, and attend an orientation which included safety and hunting ethics. Valid hunters will carry a hunting permit card for identification purposes.
This program is meant to reduce deer populations until the negative impact to our parks is alleviated, and then to maintain deer populations as needed to have a balanced ecosystem. This will reduce park land damage and forests property damage, minimize the threat of disease, reduce deer-related accidents, and re-balance the local ecosystem.
For more information or to get a Waiting List Application, please contact The USDA Wildlife Services office at 610-916-1415.
