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For the past several years, Arlington County has been closely studying our local deer population and its impacts on forest health. This effort has included:
• Monitoring Arlington's deer population and their impact on key plants in our forests.
• Gathering community input.
• Reviewing local, regional, and national best practices.
• Consulting with national and regional natural resource experts.
The findings are clear: overpopulation of white-tailed deer is harming Arlington’s forests. Starting in February 2026, the County will begin managing its deer population through professional sharpshooting in select natural land parks. This method has neem conducted across the nation for decades with no reported injuries to bystanders.
The Arlington Deer Management Program will be:
• Conducted by trained sharpshooting professionals firing downward from tree stands.
• Carried out in the evenings while parks are closed and secured.
• Conducted with parks secured and monitored by Arlington County Police and Park Rangers.
While the Deer Management Program has been informed by multiple years of research and public engagement, we understand that some may be learning about it for the first time. We invite you to a virtual information session to learn more:
Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Virtual Meeting: RSVP here
We’ll cover the items below as well as your questions:
• Why professional sharpshooting is being used.
• How operations will be carried out and what safety protocols are in place.
• How the program protects forest ecosystems over time.
Learn more and explore the frequently asked questions on our project page: Deer Management Program webpage.
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