Press Release  DCR to Place Moratorium on Controlled Deer Hunt Expansion into Quabbin Park

BELCHERTOWN — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced it will place a moratorium on expanding the annual Quabbin Reservoir controlled white-tailed deer hunt into Quabbin Park. This year, the agency had planned to expand into the watershed territory; however, after further consideration, the department will continue to study the issue, including deer population numbers and their impacts, following the conclusion of the 2019 Quabbin Reservoir controlled hunt.

In spring 2020, DCR will continue analyzing the area, and if deer populations remain high, the agency will again consider opening Quabbin Park for a controlled deer management hunt. Prior to finalizing a plan to expand into Quabbin Park, the DCR will meet with stakeholders and conduct public outreach, which will include a public meeting and comment period.

DCR staff will conduct deer surveys to get an up-to-date deer densities numbers. The impacts of sustained high deer densities on forest and other plant regeneration and survival can greatly impact forests, and the DCR remains committed to protecting the watershed lands to ensure the water supply is properly protected. 

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