Portions of Duke Forest to Close on Weekdays for Hunting
Hunting is part of forest's annual deer management program
As part of its annual deer management program, Duke Forest will close three of its divisions during weekdays through the fall for hunting.
The Durham, Korstian and Blackwood divisions of the forest will be closed to all public access Monday to Friday from Sept. 23 to Dec. 13. All divisions of the forest will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and on Nov. 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving.
Hunting is conducted by two pre-selected groups; it is not open to the general public.
Every year, Duke Forest is surveyed following the end of the hunting season to identify trends in the deer population. While many factors contribute to annual variations in the observed deer population, data suggest that the deer-management program continues to be an effective method for controlling the deer population and helping to reduce the negative impacts on the forest caused by overabundant deer, said Sara Childs, director of Duke Forest.
This is the 12th hunting season for Duke Forest. During the season, signs will be posted at all gated entrances to the forest and staff will issue citations to any unauthorized visitors.
The Durham and Korstian divisions will be hunted with bow and arrow only while the Blackwood Division will have both bow and gun hunting. For safety reasons, visitors need to observe all posted signs and seek alternate locations for recreation.
Duke community members with upcoming or ongoing work in the forest should contact Duke Forest staff to discuss arrangements. Staff can be contacted by phone at (919) 613-8013 or email at dukeforest@duke.edu.