BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As a conservation and recreation agency, the Park System acquires and manages land both for resource protection and recreation opportunities. Responsible land stewardship and resource protection require that wildlife and its habitat be managed for the benefit of all animals and plants. When the dominance or behavior of a particular species threatens the well being of others, active intervention is required. The growth and density of the State's deer population and its consumption of native plant materials that are vital to a healthy forest and as food and shelter to birds and small mammals constitute a problem requiring active intervention. Learn more:
Questions and comments about the program should be directed to the Park System by telephone at 732-842-4000, ext. 4312; by email at wildlife@monmouthcountyparks.com; or by mail at Monmouth County Park System, Attn: Public Information Office, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
HUNTER INFORMATION
The Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners accepted the 2024/2025 Deer Management Program Annual Report (link below) and approved the recommendations for continuation of the Deer Management Program for the 2025-2026 season on June 23, 2025.
Permits for the 2025-2026 season will be available starting September 3, 2025.
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DEER TO FOOD BANKS PROGRAM
The Monmouth County Park System is hosting an optional venison donation program for deer harvested on the first day of the Thompson Park (November 24) and Hartshorne Woods Park (November 25) Category 2 hunts; weather permitting. Processing costs will be 100% covered for all donated deer. An employee will be available at the Marlu Lake parking area at Thompson Park and the maintenance area at Hartshorne Woods Park to check the donated deer in. Venison will be donated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Distribution Center to serve those in need in our community.
REPORTING
Report an Antlerless Harvest to Earn-a-Buck
Submit your antlerless harvest report to qualify for eligibility to harvest a buck in Monmouth County Parks Category 1 areas. Harvest must be from a Monmouth County Park during the current program year (starts October 1). You must first report your harvest to NJDFW to receive state Confirmation Number. Print the email confirmation you receive or be prepared to show it on your mobile device. Automated emails will be delivered from forms-receipts-noreply@google.com – please check your junk mail folder if you do not receive it. In the event you cannot complete the form online, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4242 or 732-643-5755, ext. 1# for assistance Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (This process will be slower and may take several business days to complete).
NEW RULE AS OF 2024: As a condition to participate in Monmouth County Park System's deer management program, it is required to report tree-stand location for Category 2 parks (Hartshorne Woods Park and Thompson Park only).
Please report your tree stand location and the day and time of the stand setup using this form. You can submit the form from your smartphone while in the field or from any computer. Stands must be at a minimum height of 10 feet and a minimum distance of 50 yards from the nearest tree stand. Same day set-up is prohibited.
If you are hunting at both Thompson Park and Hartshorne Woods Park, you will also need to submit both forms. If you move your stand to a new location during the season, you must submit the form again.
Set-up and reporting begin on Monday, November 10.
Select this link to access the Category 2 Stand Reporting Form.
For assistance, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4242 or 732-643-5755, ext. 1#.
End-of-Season reports are required of all hunters as a condition of the permit. All reports must be submitted by March 1; failure to submit will result in ineligibility for next year's season. In the event you cannot complete the form online, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4242 or 732-643-5755, ext. 1# for assistance Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.