City of Jackson Reschedules Managed Deer Harvest for This Weekend

(January 28, 2026 3:12 PM ET) The City of Jackson, in partnership with Summit and Jackson County, will conduct a managed deer harvest in and around Ella Sharp Park and the Cascades Golf Course beginning Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, following a previously scheduled harvest that was postponed.

The harvest is part of an ongoing effort to responsibly manage an overabundant deer population in areas where deer density exceeds sustainable levels. The work is conducted under strict guidelines from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and carried out by authorized professionals to support public safety, protect park ecosystems and promote long-term population balance.

To ensure the safety of residents and workers, Ella Sharp Park and the Cascades Golf Course, range and short course will be closed to the public during harvest activities from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.

Only authorized personnel will be allowed in the park during harvest hours. Most streets running through the park will also be temporarily closed during these times. Posted signage will be in place to alert residents of closures.

STREET CLOSURES DURING HARVEST TIMES

• West Hickory Avenue and Fourth Street
• West Hickory Avenue and Horton Road
• Stonewall Drive and Oakwood Drive
• East Hickory Avenue and Oakwood Drive
• Elmdale Drive and Birchwood Drive
• Probert Road and Maplewood Drive

The City is working with the DNR and a licensed local contractor to ensure the harvest is

conducted humanely, safely and responsibly. No additional hunters are needed. All harvested deer will be processed locally. Venison from the harvest will be donated to local food pantries, helping support families in the community.

“This program reflects community feedback and a long-term approach to maintaining a healthy balance between wildlife, public spaces and resident safety,” said Kelli Hoover, director of Parks and Recreation. “Our department plans to conduct managed harvests annually where needed, while continuing to evaluate other areas that may benefit from population control.”