Parker River National Wildlife Refuge provides public access for hunting a diversity of species, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, small game, and upland birds. Hunting is a healthy, traditional recreational use of renewable natural resources, and can be an important wildlife management tool. Below are answers to frequently asked questions, as well as resources for new and interested hunters to get started!
It's called a refuge, why is hunting allowed?
The word “refuge” includes the idea of providing a haven of safety for wildlife, and, as such, hunting might seem an inconsistent use of the National Wildlife Refuge System. However, habitat that supports healthy wildlife populations produces harvestable surpluses that are a sustainable resource, and allows those who eat meat to harvest food in a way that closely connects them to nature. Population management of some species that are prone to over-browsing, such as white-tailed deer, may also be required to ensure the refuge remains suitable for a diversity of species and habitats. Harvesting wildlife on refuges is carefully regulated to ensure equilibrium between population levels and wildlife habitat.
How does hunting support habitat conservation?
In some situations, hunting is necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, deer populations can grow too large for refuge habitats to support. If some deer are not harvested, they destroy habitat for themselves and other animals and die from starvation or disease. Deer do not have natural predators at Parker River NWR. Historically, bear and wolves controlled the deer population. Today, neither are present. While coyotes may periodically depredate young, sick, or old deer, they are not effective at deer population control and typically target smaller prey. As a result, deer populations within MassWildlife Zone 10, which includes the refuge, are over-populated. Deer hunting helps reduce herd sizes and maintain a balance that benefits all wildlife.
Is hunting on refuges new?
No, hunting has long been part of the mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s policy permit hunting on a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge when it is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and acquired.
Is deer hunting at Parker River NWR new?
No, deer hunting has been allowed at Parker River NWR since the mid-1980s to facilitate historical access and reduce negative impacts of over-population in a landscape where apex predators were removed. From the 1980s into the early 2000s, the refuge exhibited signs of severe habitat degradation and poor herd health from overpopulation. Trees were browsed as high as 6 feet up, and deer were emaciated and had almost no kidney fat. Over the course of the management hunt program, habitat has recovered and the deer population is healthier.
How many deer live on the refuge?
The herd population size at Parker River NWR is approximately 30 - 40 deer. However, the island is not a closed system. Deer are excellent swimmers, and they can and do cross the salt marsh salt marsh
Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
Learn more about salt marsh channels and creeks to access different habitats.
How do you know the size of the herd? Does the refuge do a "deer census?"
From the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s, the refuge conducted weekly spotlight surveys as well as aerial deer counts by helicopter or plane. Numbers each year remained consistent with the monitoring data provided by MassWildlife, which monitors population density for all of Zone 10, including the refuge. As a result, the refuge ended the monitoring program, and today uses the data provided by MassWildlife. The state also helps us monitor herd health by collecting hunter harvest data and biological data at deer check stations.
Refuge biologists continue to collect field observations of deer while conducting surveys for at-risk species, vegetation surveys, and during other management activities. Additionally, biologists take note of browsing habits to assess herd health and size. For instance, signs that deer are eating non-preferred vegetation indicate that over-browsing is taking place, which reduces the quality of habitat for all species including the deer themselves.
What is a healthy herd size for the refuge?
Typically, forests can sustainably host 20 deer or less per square mile. Studies conducted on other barrier islands show that deer typically prefer maritime forest and shrub habitat over any other habitat type that exists on the island. Including the Dune Pine Forest, Parker River NWR has slightly less than 1 square mile of this habitat on the island.
How are the deer hunt logistics determined each year?
Refuge biologists, managers, park rangers, and wildlife officers meet annually to evaluate the hunt program and determine permit numbers, number of hunting days, and related rules and regulations. Decisions are informed by monitoring data, field reports, and annual hunter surveys. Changes made over the years include reducing the number of hunt days from 6 to 2 based on herd size and reducing the number of hunters per day from 35 to 25 to enhance hunter safety.
How many permits are issued each day for the Parker River deer hunt?
The Parker River NWR shotgun deer hunt is limited to 2 days, with a maximum of 25 hunters per day for a total of 50 hunters.
Why does the refuge charge for hunt permits?
The refuge assesses a small hunt permit fee to support the program. This fee is identical to fees charged for other special permits, including berry picking and night fishing. Permits are free for youth under 18, $20 for adults under 62, and $10 for seniors 62 years or older. The maximum possible annual revenue (100% adult hunters under 62, all purchasing a full-price $20 permit) is $1,000. Funds support hunt program management, the online permit platform, the youth and women's mentored hunt programs, and help offset revenue lost from typical pass sales while the refuge is closed for the management hunt.
A Parker River-specific permit is not required to hunt waterfowl, although all waterfowl hunters must possess a Federal Duck Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are conservation revenue stamps; 98 percent of the purchase price goes directly to help acquire and protect wetland habitat and purchase conservation easements. Since 1934, over $1.1 billion dollars have been raised from sales of Federal Duck Stamps, conserving over 6 million acres of land within the refuge system, including the original lands that comprise Parker River NWR.
I'm interested but I don't know where to start! What now?
Hunting is a sustainable recreational activity rooted in longstanding hunter / gatherer traditions. Both the refuge and the State of Massachusetts provide opportunities for new, novice, and experienced hunters to participate in conservation-based hunting. Hunter safety training is required to obtain a hunt license, and free courses are offered by Mass Wildlife alongside other free learn to hunt programs. The refuge hosts an annual mentored youth waterfowl hunt in partnership with the Essex County League of Sportsmen, as well as a mentored women's waterfowl hunt in partnership with the New Hampshire chapter of Artemis and the MassWildlife Becoming an Outdoors Women's program. Additional mentored opportunities for youth and women can be found on the MassWildlife website. Finally, online programs like the 'Hunt for Good' initiative provide resources for building community and becoming a safe and ethical hunter.
