If you’re heading to Blue Hills Reservation this month, it’d be a good idea to put on some bright outfits.

The Blue Hills Deer Management Permitted Archery Hunt will start on Monday, Nov. 6, according to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The controlled deer hunt at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton lasts through Nov. 22, and the hunts will take place from Mondays through Thursdays.

The archery hunt is part of DCR’s long-term effort to deal with the overpopulation of deer in the area.

“The 2023 management plan utilizes controlled hunting as part of DCR’s efforts to manage the high deer densities within the state reservation,” DCR posted in an advisory ahead of Monday.

“Permitted archery hunting is allowed in designated areas of the reservation,” DCR added. “Park visitors are encouraged to wear bright colors that are easily visible to others.”

A total of 26 deer were harvested during last year’s archery hunt. That count was higher than the 2021 and 2020 results (19 deer harvested in both years).

Forests in Massachusetts are able to sustain deer densities below 20 deer per square mile, and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has a statewide deer management goal of 6 to 18 deer per square mile.

Several deer abundance surveys from the last several years found that Blue Hills’ deer densities are higher than the sustainable threshold. The overall density estimate for the reservation surpasses 26 deer per square mile.

DCR has conducted annual hunts in Blue Hills since 2015. Like previous years, the 2023 management plan will allow permitted archery hunting in 2,622 acres of the more than 7,000 acres of parkland within the reservation. DCR issues up to 225 permits for the hunt.

Significantly high deer populations can negatively impact the natural resources within a reservation — including the young trees, shrubs, plants and other ground-cover that deer eat. The risk of forest wildfires is also impacted by deer eating too many plants.

“Licensed hunters play an important role in managing deer populations,” DCR posted on its website.

“It is the primary management tool used throughout the country and in Massachusetts to successfully address deer overabundance and vegetation over-browse,” the state agency added. “The Quabbin Reservoir controlled deer hunt is the most notable example of a successful hunting initiative to control deer overpopulation.”