PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that the archery deer season on Patience and Prudence Islands will officially end one-half hour after sunset on Monday, November 29^th. The closing adds a one-week extension to the season to provide for proper management of the deer herd.

In June, DEM set an initial seasonal quota of 60 deer for the two islands. As provided by regulation, this quota was set with the understanding that it would be modified during the season, if necessary, to address the health of the herd.

Over the course of the summer and fall, DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife collected data on the health of the herd and existing habitat conditions on the islands. Based on this investigation, DEM determined that the herd is not as healthy as it should be and habitat conditions are not adequate to support both a large herd and the additional wildlife that occupy the island along with the deer. Accordingly, when the 60 deer quota was reached this past weekend, DEM opted to extend the season for an additional week. This extension will allow for further reductions in the herd and help to stabilize the deer population at a healthy, sustainable level.

DEM will continue to survey the deer herd annually and model the population to determine appropriate quota levels.