Newark, DE – The annual managed deer harvest in New Castle County’s Middle Run Valley Natural Area will take place next week, county officials announced today. New Castle County coordinates the harvest with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Management and Delaware Master Hunters to maintain healthy level of deer population and to reduce human/deer conflicts, including deer/vehicle collisions and damage to property and to combat the spread of Lyme disease. The 850-acre county park, located northeast of Newark and adjacent to White Clay Creek State Park, is bordered by Paper Mill Road/Route 72, Polly Drummond Hill Road, and Possum Park Road (see attached map).
During each of the two days of hunting at Middle Run Valley this November up to 20 certified master hunters will be permitted to harvest deer from pre-approved stands located a safe distance from private lands, roadways and other hunters. Master Hunters are specially designated by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife after completing conservation and advanced hunter education courses, demonstrating shooting proficiency and passing a criminal background check. The 2020 managed deer harvests at Middle Run Valley will take place on the following dates and times:
- Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17 from 5:00am to 1:00pm. Shooting times start 30 minutes before sunrise and end at 11:00 am.
During each day of hunting the Middle Run Valley Natural Area will be closed to the general public from dawn to 1:00 pm. County officials have notified area residents, hiking and biking clubs, and local schools and churches and large signs will be posted at the front of every trailhead entering the park.
Over the past several years county officials have encouraged managed deer harvest participants to donate their deer to the DNREC Sportsmen Against Hunger Program which distributes venison to more than 30 charitable organizations throughout the state. To date, the managed hunt at Middle Run Valley have donated more than 7,500 pounds of venison to area families in need