Multiple parks around Lake Lanier will be closed this whole week for a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Deer Hunt. The Corps announced that they will be conducting a quota deer hunt on lands around Buford Dam which will close 12 different parks and campgrounds in the area Monday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 18.
The following parks will be closed this week:
Laurel Ridge Trail
Sawnee Campground
West Bank Park
Lower Pool West Park
Lower Overlook Park
Lower Pool East Park
Buford Dam Park
East Bank Park
Lanier Park
Burton Mill Park
Van Pugh South Campground
Chestnut Ridge Campground
The Corps says that the hunt benefits the overall health of the deer population in the area. “Deer–car collisions along Buford Dam Road are a public safety hazard that this hunt could lessen. In addition, food resources naturally decline during the winter months, causing stress to the deer population. By reducing the number of deer, the food resources in the Buford Dam area will better meet the deer population's needs.”
This is an annual hunt that has been happening since 2010. Anyone wishing to participate must obtain a permit from the Corps and attend a safety meeting before hunting.
“The Corps continues to lead deer population estimates and coordinate with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to ensure responsible wildlife management,” says the Corps in a statement to the public.
