FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Overview

What is the Deer Management Program?  

Baltimore City’s first deer management program is a data-driven initiative to protect forested parkland and reduce the impacts of deer overpopulation on local communities. The program is the result of years of planning, scientific analysis and extensive community engagement, which started in January 2025. The program anticipates that its activities will take place between January to April each year in coordination with trained wildlife biologists with firearms expertise from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) to safely remove deer while parks are closed to the public. 

Why is it important to manage Baltimore City’s deer population?  

An overpopulation of white-tailed deer harms both the environment and the deer themselves. In Baltimore City parks, high deer numbers have: 

1. Prevented young trees from growing and regenerating 

2. Accelerated the spread of invasive plant species 

3. Reduced habitat for birds and other wildlife 

4. Increased deer-vehicle collisions and property damage 

5. Elevated the risk of tick-borne diseases

Healthy forests are critical to keeping Baltimore cooler, cleaner, and more resilient as temperatures rise. Managing deer is an important step in protecting these natural resources for future generations. 

How did the City determine that deer are overpopulated?  

In April 2015, USDA-APHIS surveyed the deer population in three City Parks. Similarly, wildlife professionals now conduct thermal imaging surveys each year in designated parks and surrounding green spaces to monitor the number of deer. These surveys follow established scientific methods used across the country. Results have shown that deer densities in some areas were 1.7 to 21 times higher than recommended levels for healthy forests. The program will continue conducting annual surveys between October and March to monitor progress and guide future decisions.

What is considered a healthy deer population?

In Maryland, wildlife biologists generally recommend deer densities remain below 20 deer per square mile and in some sensitive forested areas, even fewer may be recommended. Maintaining populations within recommended ranges helps restore forest health, improve habitat for wildlife, reduce deer-related vehicle collisions, lowers risk of disease transmission and improves overall deer health.  

Who will carry out the deer management program?

Operations will be conducted in coordination with wildlife biologists with firearms expertise from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). USDA-APHIS carries out these programs nationwide and has been a trusted partner of jurisdictions with successful deer management programs for decades. 

When and where does the deer removal occur?  

Between January and April, the deer management program will focus on public parkland in the city’s largest forested natural areas, including Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Herring Run Park, and Druid Hill Park. Cylburn Arboretum, Powder Mill Park, Hanlon Park, Farring-Baybrook Park, Moore’s Run Park, and other parks may be considered in future years based on data and need. 

What deer management methods are being used and how were they selected?  

The deer management plan was developed after a thorough community engagement process, including feedback from 3,700+ Baltimore City survey respondents, community information sessions with residents in impacted zip codes, and focus groups in which all management options were discussed. The decision framework used to develop the plan considers 12 management options and incorporates only strategies acceptable to residents who participated in community information sessions. Our responsibility is to prevent long-term harm – to the forest, to other wildlife, and to people. When done by trained professionals under strict standards, safely removing deer using firearms is considered by wildlife experts to be the most effective and humane way to quickly reduce overpopulation and prevent greater suffering caused by starvation, disease and ecosystem collapse. 

What should I do if I see or hear operations in action?  

While parks are closed, residents may notice increased activity in and around the area. This may include flashlights in wooded areas, slow-moving or temporarily parked vehicles near the park and potential noise from suppressed firearms. If you become aware of deer management activity, please do not enter the park while it is closed to the public.  

Should I be concerned about my personal safety and that of my family and pets?  

Public safety is a top priority, and there is limited danger to residents during this program. Signage will be posted in advance to notify visitors of temporary park closures. Work is performed by highly trained professionals in clearly defined areas at times when the public is not present. If conditions cannot meet safety standards, operations do not proceed.  

Why not use reproductive control or other non-lethal options?  

The deer management program carefully considered non-lethal management strategies such as reproductive control. It found that sterilization may take years to show measurable impact, is a higher cost compared to professional sharpshooting and is unlikely to reduce deer numbers quickly . It also lacks evidence that it could reduce the deer population sufficiently to enable more rapid forest regeneration in the city’s parks. 

What deer management strategies do the surrounding areas use?

Baltimore City joins neighboring cities and counties facing similar challenges — including Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. All have implemented deer management programs using professional sharpshooting, hunting and hybrid approaches, guided by wildlife experts and best management practices.  

Will this program interfere with my use of the park?

Parks are already closed from dusk to dawn, but when operations are taking place, closures will be strictly enforced to ensure safety. All entrances will close daily to car and foot traffic starting at 4:00 p.m. to sunrise.  

What happens to the deer that are removed during these operations?

Deer are removed safely and discreetly. The meat product (venison) from most deer harvested through deer management operations is donated to the Maryland Food Bank for distribution to organizations serving Baltimore City residents. 

Is hunting allowed in Baltimore City parks?

No, hunting is not allowed in Baltimore City parks at this time. You are permitted to use archery equipment that has an overall length of 18 inches or greater on private property within city limits, as permitted by the landowner. However, all State deer hunting regulations, including safety zones, must be followed. Reference: https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/hunting-regulations.  

How can I share my input about a deer-related issue? 

We invite you to provide feedback on the deer management program. You can email deer.program@baltimorecity.gov or submit feedback online.

Can I feed deer in Baltimore City?  

Feeding deer is strongly discouraged as it may create safety risks for people and pets, encourage deer to cross roadways, increase disease spread, and have deer rely on humans for food.  

How can I deer-proof my garden or landscaping? 

Residents can help prevent property damage, including to gardens and landscaping, by installing fencing or netting around the garden to protect from deer browsing, using deer-resistant plants, avoiding preferred plants to reduce damage, and applying commercial deer repellent or homemade solutions to plants to limit damage.  Visit links under Additional Resources for more information.