Bulletins

To ensure the long-term health of Point Pelee National Park’s sensitive ecosystems, Parks Canada and Caldwell First Nation will be conducting a deer cull in the park between January 24 and January 31, 2025, inclusive. Public safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada and therefore, Point Pelee National Park will be closed to visitors during this time. The park will reopen on February 1, 2025. 

Parks Canada is responsible for maintaining and restoring ecological health in national parks. Caldwell First Nation’s traditional territory encompasses the park. A high population (hyperabundance) of white-tailed deer in Point Pelee National Park creates a serious threat to forest and savannah health and the species that depend on these habitats. 

Based on current data, it is estimated that the current deer herd population remains higher than what the ecosystem can support. Parks Canada has been collaborating with Caldwell First Nation for several years to actively manage the deer population in order to protect the park’s sensitive ecosystems. 

The deer cull is part of the Hyperabundant Deer Management Program, which has a goal to achieve ecological integrity, the health and balance of the ecosystem, by reducing the white-tailed deer population. The program includes many components such as ecosystem monitoring, deer population monitoring, species at risk protection, ongoing research, and collaboration. As well, the Hyperabundant Deer Management Program provides opportunities for Caldwell First Nation to mentor youth and strengthen traditional connections to the land, in addition to sharing knowledge and expertise with Parks Canada. 

More information about hyperabundant species in Point Pelee National Park.