Deer. (Credit: Laura College/Unsplash)
The Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites has announced that it will conduct a deer cull at the Norristown Farm Park. The cull will be held during the months of March and April in coordination with state and federal agencies.
Cull and hunting activities have occurred annually at the Norristown Farm Park since 2005 as part of the park’s evolving wildlife management program. The 2024 cull involving the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) produced 1440 pounds of venison which was donated to local food banks. Hunters participating in the lottery-drawn archery hunt this past season removed 12 deer. During the same timeframe, vehicle collisions surrounding the park boundaries accounted for the loss of an additional 10 deer.
Surveys in 2025 conducted by USDA Wildlife Services conclude that there are an estimated 90 deer on the property, down from 133 in 2023 and 122 in 2024. Biologists nationwide recommend 20-30 deer per square mile. Norristown Farm Park is 690 acres, and the perimeter is one square mile.
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.
All of the deer harvested as part of this year’s cull will be processed and the venison will once again be donated to area food banks to help fight hunger.
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.
