PITTSBURGH, PA — The city’s Department of Public Safety has released the results of its archery-based 2025-26 deer management program, which occurred in numerous city parks and greenway.
According to city officials, 142 deer were harvested, of which 63 were donated to local food banks. These donations provided 2,520 pounds of venison, which translated to 10,080 meals for residents.
The department reported no public safety incidents during the program.
The Deer Management Program is a collaborative effort between the City of Pittsburgh and the United States Department of Agriculture Its goal is to manage the overpopulation of white-tailed deer within city parks. The program addresses concerns such as increased vehicle-deer collisions, overeating of native plant species, and a loss of natural fear among deer.
While the archery program has been effective in maintaining population numbers, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the overall deer population.
“After ongoing collaboration with our partners at the USDA, we are continuing our targeted harvesting program in an effort to responsibly reduce the deer population.” Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams said.
“We appreciate the USDA’s sustained assistance and partnership as we work to support a balanced and healthy deer population in Pittsburgh.”
What does that mean? Marksmen will be brought in to further reduce the city’s deer population.
The targeted harvesting program will take place in Schenley, Emerald View and McKinley Parks. This phase will occur while the parks are closed overnight, between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
USDA-contracted marksmen, trained to hit small targets at long distances, will conduct this work. The targeted harvesting is scheduled to begin this week and will conclude by the end of March.
All deer harvested during this phase will also be donated to local food pantries.