Update February 8, 2024
We want to thank Arlington County and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for hosting a virtual information session about their Deer Management Project. This process has made it clear that Arlington residents care about its ecosystem and wildlife. We understand this is a complex issue and can appreciate the efforts taken to engage our community.
Unfortunately, this afternoon, DPR’s presentation left the community with more questions than answers. Particularly, the revelation that there are purportedly 124 deer per square mile in Arlington. This number significantly differs from previously reported estimates, indicating that the presented data is unclear. If this new figure is accurate, Arlington would have to reduce its deer population by nearly 90% to reach what has been deemed an acceptable ecological carrying capacity. This level of culling would be in direct conflict with the results from the County’s first engagement period, which clearly demonstrated that residents are more supportive of non-lethal deer management solutions.
We hope that DPR will continue to work towards a more appropriate resolution that balances the community’s desires, wildlife, and ecosystem.
AWLA’s Position on the Deer Management Program
Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has pushed a narrative for many years that the County has “too many deer.” Now, with this latest survey, DPR is advocating for the killing of deer in our backyards.
While there is no denying that deer can alter our forests, non-lethal options exist that can deter deer and pose less danger to the general public. If you respect wildlife and care about finding nonviolent solutions to community issues, please take a moment to fill out this County survey. Let our leaders know that you oppose a deer cull and urge for a more measured and humane deer management plan. We have created an example survey response that you can look over, and we encourage supporters to use our example responses if you’re not sure what to write.
Deer culls are expensive and they don’t work. Once started, a deer cull must be continued year-over-year. Neighboring jurisdictions have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and killed countless deer, and yet these programs have continued for decades with no end in sight.
Comparison of Arlington County deer population to other local jurisdictions undertaking a deer cull. Source: White Buffalo’s Browse Assessment Report to Arlington, June 5, 2023.
Make no mistake about it, a deer cull does not happen behind closed doors. Given the density of Arlington and the adjacency of county park land to homes, these deer will be hunted in our backyards. Public parks will be closed or usage will be limited. Deer not killed on a first shot will pose a danger to any person or animal in their vicinity, and even a mortally wounded deer can still live on adrenaline for many seconds and cover hundreds of yards. It will not be uncommon for residents to find evidence of dead deer in their backyard.
Deer cull signage from local jurisdictions.
AWLA acknowledges and supports the County’s biophilia goals and the importance of maintaining a healthy biodiversity. In fact, much of our community work is rooted in the OneHealth model that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. However, we also know that ecosystems are complex and deer are often the scapegoats for larger ecological problems. As we’ve seen in other communities, killing deer will not solve the problems the County wishes to address.
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to our County leaders and to let them know that Arlington County residents will not support a deer cull!
~ Samuel Wolbert, President & CEO
Click Here To Learn More About AWLA’s Stance On The Deer Management Project