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 2025/2026 Deer Management Program Annual Report (link below) and approved the recommendations for continuation of the Deer Management Program for the 2026-2027 season on June 8, 2026.
Permits for the 2026-2027 season will be available starting September 9, 2026.
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REPORTING
*NEW* ALL DEER MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HARVEST VIA THE HARVEST REPORT FORM:
All Category 1 hunters MUST harvest an antlerless deer on a Monmouth County Park System property prior to taking an antlered deer. Antlerless harvest MUST BE REPORTED via the new HARVEST REPORT FORM before an antlered buck is harvested. No antlerless harvest requirements exist in Category 2 parks.
If the form cannot be completed, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4223. Please leave your MCPS permit #, name, type of deer harvested, and park harvested in the voicemail.
A brief, mandatory End of Season Survey will be posted on the Deer Management page Monday, February 22 and must be completed by Monday, March 15, 2027.
CATEGORY TWO PARKS ONLY: As a condition to participate in Monmouth County Park System's deer management program for Category 2 parks (Hartshorne Woods Park and Thompson Park only), it is required to report tree-stand location. 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.