Park Rules and Policies
1. General Park Policies
Welcome to Deer Tracks Adventure Park! To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for staff, guests, and our animals, please abide by these park policies during your visit to Deer Tracks.
By purchasing tickets and entering Deer Tracks Junction, you agree to follow these rules and policies.
Park Rights & Admission
- Deer Tracks Adventure Park reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone.
- We reserve the right to remove any guest who violates park rules or behaves in a manner that is disruptive to guests, animals, or staff.
- Admission tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the date purchased unless otherwise specified.
- All guests must check in at the ticket desk before entering the park.
- Re-entry on the same day is permitted with a hand stamp or wristband.
Hours & Operations
- Park hours vary by season, weather closures, and special events. Check our website or social media channels for current hours and closures.
- We reserve the right to close the park or specific areas due to weather, maintenance, or other operational needs.
Lost Property
- Deer Tracks Junction is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
2. Animal Interaction Policies
Welcome to Deer Tracks Adventure Park! To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for staff, guests, and our animals, please abide by these park policies during your visit to Deer Tracks.
By purchasing tickets and entering Deer Tracks Junction, you agree to follow these rules and policies.
Feeding Animals
Our animals have carefully managed diets. Outside food can make them sick or create aggressive behavior. Please do your part to keep our animals happy, healthy, and fit for other guests to enjoy.
You May:
- Feed animals designated food purchased from our feed dispensers or gift shops
- Feed animals in designated feeding areas only
- Follow posted feeding instructions
You May Not:
- Feed animals your own food or snacks
- Feed animals outside designated areas
- Give animals grass, plants, or items from the ground
- Feed animals through fences where it is not permitted
Interacting with Animals
We love seeing our guests of all ages interact with our animals. Please enjoy our resident animals safely and with kindness by following the guidelines below.
You May:
- Pet animals in designated petting areas
- Take photos with animals (no flash photography)
- Observe animals from viewing areas and safari route
You May Not:
- Chase, tease, intimidate, or harass animals
- Climb on fences, barriers, or buildings, or into enclosures
- Attempt to pick up or carry animals (except in designated areas with staff supervision)
- Make loud noises or sudden movements that startle animals
- Tap on glass or shake fences
For Your Safety
- Follow all posted safety instructions
- Follow all instructions from Deer Tracks staff
- Note that animals may bite, scratch, kick, or otherwise injure guests even when unprovoked
- Supervise children at all times
- Wash hands after touching animals (hand-washing stations provided)
Animal Welfare
- If you observe an animal in distress, notify staff immediately
- Do not attempt to “rescue” or approach animals that appear injured
- Respect posted signs about animal rest areas or temporary closures
- Our animals’ well-being is our top priority—we may temporarily close areas to allow animals to rest
3. Safari Drive-Through Policies
Welcome to Deer Tracks Adventure Park! To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for staff, guests, and our animals, please abide by these park policies during your visit to Deer Tracks.
By purchasing tickets and entering Deer Tracks Junction, you agree to follow these rules and policies.
Vehicle Requirements
Permitted Vehicles:
- Personal passenger cars
- SUVs and trucks
- Minivans
- Vehicles must have working windows that can be rolled up
Not Permitted:
- Motorcycles or open-air vehicles
- Commercial vehicles or buses (without prior arrangement)
- Vehicles towing trailers
- Convertibles with tops down
- Vehicles 9 feet tall or taller
Safari Rules
You Must:
- Stay in your vehicle at all times unless directed otherwise by staff
- Keep your windows all the way up or all the way down
- Partially opened windows may trap an animal’s head
- Partially opened windows are at risk for cracking
- Keep windows up and doors locked when in the black bear enclosure
- Drive at posted speed (5-10 mph)
- Follow the designated route
- Stop vehicle if animals are blocking the road
You May Not:
- Exit your vehicle in the safari area
- Feed animals except with provided feed and feed buckets
- Drive off the designated path
- Stop in prohibited areas
- Honk your horn or rev your engine at animals
Safari Safety
- Pull to the right side of the safari path if you wish to stop so other vehicles can go around
- Animals may approach your vehicle, lean on it, or lick windows—this is normal
- Animals may lean into your vehicle when windows are down—this is normal
- Keep hands and arms inside the vehicle when windows are down
- Supervise children at all times
- If you experience a vehicle emergency (breakdown, flat tire), remain in the vehicle and call the number posted on the safari instructions
4. Prohibited Activities
For the safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the following activities are not permitted in the park. Violation of these policies may result in removal from the park without refund.
Prohibited Behaviors
- Running, roughhousing, or disruptive behavior
- Smoking, vaping (including e-cigarettes), and use of tobacco products
- Alcohol consumption or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fighting, harassment, or abusive language toward guests, staff, or animals
- Littering or vandalism
- Soliciting, distributing flyers, or conducting business without permission from Deer Tracks management
- Entering animal enclosures
Prohibited with Animals
- Teasing, provoking, or harassing animals
- Throwing objects at animals
- Attempting to ride animals not designated for riding
- Removing animals from the park
- Make loud noises or sudden movements that startle animals
- Tap on glass or shake fences
- Feeding animals outside food
Photography Restrictions
- Commercial photography or videography without written permission from Deer Tracks management
- Using drones, tripods, or professional lighting equipment without prior approval from Deer Tracks management
- Flash photography is prohibited
Other Prohibited Activities
- Entering restricted or “Staff Only” areas
- Climbing on structures, fences, or barriers
- Entering animal enclosures
- Swimming or wading in ponds or water features
- Picking flowers, plants, or disturbing landscaping
- Bringing outside animals into the park (except service animals in the main building)
- Impersonating Deer Tracks staff
5. Prohibited Items
For the safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the following items are not permitted in the park. These lists are not exhaustive. Park staff may request you to remove items other than those on these lists if they are dangerous to staff, animals, or other guests. If you’re unsure about an item, ask at the ticket desk before entering.
Weapons & Dangerous Items
- Firearms, knives (except small pocket knives), or weapons of any kind
- Fireworks, explosives, or incendiary devices
- Pepper spray, mace, tazers, or similar items
Items That Could Harm Animals
- Outside food for animals
- Glass containers
- Balloons
- Plastic bags in animal areas
- Kites, umbrellas, or flying toys
Other Prohibited Items
- Outside animals (except service animals in the main building)
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, or hoverboards
- Remote-controlled toys (cars, planes, drones, etc.)
- Professional camera equipment without prior permission from Deer Tracks management
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Laser pointers
- Musical instruments or sound amplification devices
- Other items that may be used to provoke, intimidate, or harass staff, guests, and animals
Outside Food
- Outside food is prohibited within the park, except for approved school groups that have received permission from Deer Tracks management
Strollers & Wheelchairs
- Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome throughout the walk-through park
- Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted on the outside of vehicles in the safari area (must be stored inside the vehicle or trunk)
6. Service Animals
We love animals of all kinds! Unfortunately, outside animals, even service animals, are disruptive to the animals at Deer Tracks. If your service animal becomes disruptive or poses a threat to our animals, staff, or guests, we may ask you to remove the animal from the park. Please leave your animals at home when you decide to visit our park.
Service Animals & Our Animals
Per the ADA, service animals may be restricted when their presence would be disruptive to normal operations. Sadly, service animals are disruptive to our resident animals and must remain outside of animal-facing areas of Deer Tracks.
Service animals:
- Are only allowed in the parking lot and main building of Deer Tracks
- Are not allowed in the walk-through park or drive-through safari park
- Must be under control of handler at all times
- Must be leashed or harnessed (unless this interferes with their work)
- Must be housebroken
Emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in the park, even in the main building or parking lot.
7. Guest Conduct & Dress Code
Deer Tracks is a family-friendly park. We ask that guests help us to maintain an environment that’s welcoming and appropriate for families and visitors of all ages.
Expected Conduct
We expect all guests to:
- Treat animals, staff, and other guests with respect
- Follow posted rules, guidelines, and staff instructions
- Supervise children in their party at all times
- Use appropriate language
- Keep the park clean (use trash and recycling bins)
Dress Code
For your safety and comfort:
- Wear closed-toe shoes (sandals are permitted but not recommended)
- Wear appropriate clothing (shirts and shoes required at all times)
- Avoid loose or dangling clothing/jewelry in animal areas (animals may grab)
- Consider weather conditions (sun protection, rain gear, warm layers)
Inappropriate attire includes:
- Offensive, profane, or adult language/images on clothing
- Excessively revealing clothing
- Costumes or masks (except during designated events)
8. Photography & Media Policy
For the safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the following items are not permitted in the park. These lists are not exhaustive. Park staff may request you to remove items other than those on these lists if they are dangerous to staff, animals, or other guests. If you’re unsure about an item, ask at the ticket desk before entering.
Personal Photography
You May:
- Take photos and videos for personal use throughout your visit
- Share your photos on social media (we love it!)
- Tag us @DeerTracksJunction on social media
- Photograph animals, family members, and scenery
You May Not:
- Use professional equipment (tripods, drones, lighting rigs) without prior written permission from Deer Tracks management
- Sell or commercially use photos taken at our park without written permission from Deer Tracks management
- Use flash photography within the park
- Interfere with other guests’ enjoyment while taking photos
Deer Tracks’ Photography
By entering Deer Tracks Junction, you consent to the following:
Deer Tracks may photograph, film, and record your visit for promotional, marketing, educational, and operational purposes. By purchasing tickets and entering our park, you grant us permission to use your image, likeness, and voice in:
- Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
- Website and email marketing
- Print advertisements, brochures, and promotional materials
- Television, video, and broadcast media
- Merchandise and promotional items
You will not receive compensation for such use, and all rights to these images and media belong to Deer Tracks Junction. You waive the right to inspect or approve finished media.
Deer Tracks will not photograph, film, or record school groups that visit Deer Tracks through a scheduled group tour.
Opt-Out Option
You may request a “no photo” wristband at the ticket desk when you arrive. While we’ll make reasonable efforts to honor your preference, you may still appear in the following:
- Background shots or wide-angle photos
- Security footage
- Photos taken by other guests
9. Health & Safety
For the safety of our staff, guests, and animals, the following items are not permitted in the park. These lists are not exhaustive. Park staff may request you to remove items other than those on these lists if they are dangerous to staff, animals, or other guests. If you’re unsure about an item, ask at the ticket desk before entering.
Your Responsibility
- You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of children in your care
- Follow all posted safety instructions and staff directions
- Stay on designated paths and viewing areas
- Wash hands frequently, especially after touching animals
- Notify staff immediately of any injuries or emergencies
Medical Conditions
- If you have allergies, immune system concerns, or are pregnant, consult your doctor before visiting
- Hand-washing stations are located throughout the park
- First aid is available at the ticket desk and other designated areas in the park
Weather Conditions
- The park may close areas or the entire facility due to severe weather
- Seek shelter if severe weather occurs during your visit
- Listen for announcements and follow staff instructions
- Check the Deer Tracks website or social media channels for announcements regarding weather conditions
Emergency Situations
- In case of emergency, contact the nearest staff member or call the number posted throughout the park
- Follow staff instructions during evacuations
10. Liability & Assumption of Risk
Liability & Assumption of Risk
By entering Deer Tracks Junction, you acknowledge:
- Visiting an animal park involves inherent risks, including but not limited to animal bites, scratches, kicks, property damage, allergic reactions, and exposure to outdoor elements
- You voluntarily assume all risks associated with your visit
- You agree to the full terms of our Liability
- Waiver (accepted as part of in-person or online ticket purchase)
- You release Deer Tracks Adventure Park from liability for injuries, property damage, or losses that may occur during your visit
- You release Deer Tracks Adventure Park from liability for any damage to your vehicle throughout the duration of your stay, including the drive-through safari park
11. Enforcement
Right to Remove Guests
Deer Tracks Adventure Park reserves the right to remove any guest who:
- Violates park rules
Behaves in a manner that endangers themselves, others, or animals - Disrupts other guests’ enjoyment or the working conditions of our staff
- Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Refuses to follow staff instructions
Removed guests will not receive refunds and may be temporarily or permanently barred from Deer Tracks Adventure Park.
Staff Authority
- Park staff have the authority to enforce these policies
- Security may be called for serious violations
- Law enforcement may be contacted when appropriate
Appeals
If you believe you were unfairly removed from the park, please contact us at [email protected] within 7 days to request a review.
We appreciate your cooperation with these policies. They exist to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all our guests and to protect the well-being of our staff and animals.