From Field To Food Bank: Piscataway Park Deer Effort To Support Maryland Food Bank

LA PLATA, Md. — A deer management effort is planned this spring at Piscataway Park in Accokeek, with county leaders highlighting its role in protecting local wildlife and supporting food programs for families in need.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners recently supported a cooperative permit allowing the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to conduct targeted deer management at Piscataway Park, located at 3400 Bryan Point Road in Accokeek. The work will be done under an Agricultural Deer Cooperator Permit issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Kevin J. Sullivan, state director for Maryland, Delaware and Virginia with USDA Wildlife Services, attended the meeting to answer questions and explain how the effort will benefit residents.

When asked by commissioners about the use of the harvested deer, Sullivan said the goal is to help local families. “They are processed and donated through the Maryland Food Bank to support families in the county,” Sullivan said.

In addition, officials said the National Park Service plans to coordinate with Piscataway tribal communities to provide pelts, antlers and some meat for traditional and cultural uses.

“The National Park Service is going to be working with the Piscataway people to get pelts, antlers and meat back to that group,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the program also allows flexibility to meet local needs. “If the county has specific areas where you would like it to go, we will make sure that 100% of it goes where you would like it to go,” Sullivan said.

Timeline, Oversight And Safety

According to the county attorney’s office, the operation is authorized between Jan. 15 and April 15, 2026. Officials said the work at Piscataway Park is expected to occur before the April deadline, with specific dates shared in advance with county leaders and law enforcement.

The authorization also allows the use of firearms during nighttime hours in designated areas and requires that all individuals conducting the sharpshooting meet training and qualification standards. Officials said the work will follow all federal, state and local laws, along with an approved operational plan coordinated through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Commissioners also raised questions about safety and nearby communities. Sullivan said the process includes outreach to residents as part of the permit review.

He added that steps are taken to minimize noise and disruption. “The firearms that will be used are suppressed, so there won’t be loud firearms noise,” Sullivan said.

Why Deer Management Matters

Wildlife officials say managing deer populations is also important for protecting Maryland’s forests and ecosystems. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, overpopulation can reduce a forest’s ability to regenerate, damage native plants and limit habitat for other wildlife. As deer numbers grow and the number of hunters declines, the impact on forest health has become more visible across the state. Signs of over-browsing include fewer young trees and an increase in invasive plant species, which can affect birds, pollinators and other native wildlife.

The approach mirrors similar efforts across Southern Maryland, where cooperative permits have helped protect farmland and direct thousands of pounds of venison to families in need.

Local farmers have also participated in similar programs. For example, Shlagel Farms in Waldorf has used the Agricultural Deer Cooperator Permit program to help reduce crop damage while donating venison to food banks and community partners. These efforts have provided thousands of pounds of meat to local families, showing how wildlife management can support both agriculture and food access in the region.

Families in need can connect with local food pantries, meal programs and support services through the Maryland Food Bank. See where to find food and local resources here.

Watch the Feb. 24, 2026, meeting on CCGTV.

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