Controlled Deer Hunts Approved In Baltimore Co. Public Parks

Council also revokes approved PUD for first time ever

Controlled deer hunts can take place in certain Baltimore County parks, but under tighter conditions than originally proposed, according to a bill approved Monday by the County Council.

Seeking to frame the bill as part of a broader strategy to control the overflowing deer population, council members deleted some references to hunting from the bill in favor of "deer cooperator program." County officials will also explore other methods of deer control including sterilization. The bill clearly states that it is not intended to allow open season in county parks — requiring any hunt to be conducted at night under the supervision of the state Department of Natural Resources. The parks would be closed to the public during the hunt.

The bill, sponsored by Republicans Todd Huff and David Marks, passed 6-1, with Councilwoman Vicki Almond, a Pikesville Democrat, voting against it.

Almond said many of her constituents were against the bill. They sent several emails and requested meetings to discuss their concerns, she said.

"Sometimes you have to remember they're the ones who put me here. The majority said 'no,' so I didn't vote for it."

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