John Heinz Wildlife Refuge Opening To Deer Hunters

For the first time ever, Delaware County's premier wildlife refuge will welcome deer hunters in 2019.

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced recently that more than 251,000 acres of land in 30 national wildlife refuges across the National Wildlife Refuge System expand hunting and fishing opportunities. And the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum is included in the newly-opened hunting grounds.

The refuge will allow white-tailed deer bow hunting for the first time for a 10-day period in 2019.

There a limit of 12 hunters allowed to cull deer per day during the 10-day period and hunters will be granted permission based on a lottery.

"American sportsmen and women contribute over a billion dollars a year to fund conservation. Without hunters and anglers, we wouldn't be able to conserve wildlife and habitat; and, without access to our public lands like National Wildlife Refuges, many hunters would have nowhere to go," Zinke said. "The last thing I want to see is hunting to become an elite sport, rather than a tradition passed on from generation to generation."

Deputy Refuge Manager Mariana Bergerson told WHYY that the ideal deer population is 20 to 25, but more than 100 deer live in the area now, and that deer are causing deforestation in the refuge.

Additionally, the Cherry Valley Wildlife Refuge in Monroe County will is seeing expanded existing migratory game bird, upland game, and big game hunting with the new decision.

"Hunting and fishing are family activities that pass down from generation to generation. National wildlife refuges provide all Americans with places to hunt, fish, observe the natural world firsthand and experience the great outdoors." said Cynthia Martinez, Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System. "We are pleased to be able to offer hunting and fishing opportunities and other recreational activities where they are compatible with national wildlife refuge management goals."

Image via Shutterstock