Pittsburgh Expanding Deer Hunting Program In City Parks

PITTSBURGH, PA — With the help of 50 trained archers, the city once again will attempt to address the overpopulation of white-tailed deer in city parks beginning Saturday.

The Department of Public Safety is expanding the Deer Management Program, a partnership between the city and the Department of Agriculture. Last year, the culling effort was limited to Frick and Riverview parks; this year, the archery-controlled hunts also will occur in Schenley, Highland and Emerald View parks.

The city’s archery season will run from this Saturday through December 14 and December 26 through January 25. Hunting will not occur on Sundays.

This summer, 50 Allegheny County archers were selected to participate in the program. after undergoing a background check, a wildlife violation check and an archery accuracy test.

Notice signs have been posted in all five parks alerting park visitors when archery hunting is taking place. Park visitors are encouraged to stay on established trails, keep all dogs on a leash and respect the space of authorized hunters.