The City of Reading, Berks County and Berks Nature are preparing for the start of the 2026-2027 Deer Management Program partnership. While hunting is strictly prohibited on Mt. Penn and in Antietam Lake Park, this joint partnership with the USDA Wildlife Services provides an archery-only hunting season for deer management purposes starting on September 19, 2026, through January 24, 2027.
Hunters selected to participate in the program by the USDA Wildlife Services will complete the application process, pass a proficiency test, and attend an orientation which will include safety and hunting ethics. Valid hunters will carry a hunting permit card for identification purposes. Hunters interested in participating should contact the USDA Wildlife Services at the number below.
No hunting will be allowed on these properties without authorization from USDA Wildlife Services and a valid permit. Archery hunters must follow all Pennsylvania Game Commission rules. Hunting is permitted on Sundays. Hunting will be permitted 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes following sunset. The USDA Wildlife Services will monitor the program.
This program is meant to reduce deer populations until the negative impact to our parks is alleviated and followed by the maintenance of the deer populations as needed to have a balanced ecosystem. This program will reduce park land and forest damage, minimize the threat of disease, reduce deer-related accidents, and re-balance the local ecosystem.
For more information or to get a Waiting List Application, please contact The USDA Wildlife Services office at 610-916-1415.
