The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is proposing a new way to manage the white-tailed deer population in Saratoga’s Spa State Park. The plan involves allowing hunters to use bows and crossbows on a specific 650-acre area within the park.
Starting in October 2023 and running through January 2024, the agency intends to issue 15 permits for this limited hunting season. This initiative aims to address concerns about overpopulation, which can negatively impact park ecosystems.
Adam Trudeau from the National Deer Association sees benefits beyond just population control. He believes it gives hunters a practical opportunity while contributing to ecological balance, stating that “too much of any one species throws off the delicate balance.” This isn’t the first time hunting has been implemented in state parks, with similar programs already operating in other locations.
Before any decision is made, the public is invited to learn more at an upcoming information session on May 14th at the Roosevelt II Bathhouse. State Parks will consider community feedback as part of the process.