Dear Deer: My Letter to White-tailed Deer in Arlington

Dear Deer,

I was reminiscing about the last, awe-inspiring times we connected before winter took hold. Certainly, this past winter in Arlington, Virginia was more frigid than years prior. It’s been ages since we’ve had any accumulation of snowfall, albeit not as much as we’ve ever experienced.

One day last summer, we crossed paths in Barcroft Park near my home. A family group was about 25 feet off the trail in the woods. I was elated by your breathtaking sight. I’m thankful the whimpers and woofs of my dog didn’t scare you off and we had the immense pleasure of watching your lovely clan walking along and foraging.

Another precious time, while walking with my mother in our small and quiet neighborhood, you and your kin were in a neighbor’s front yard. To not disturb you, we crossed the street. I know you saw us because you walked into the neighbor’s backyard and then disappeared into the parkland behind their house.

Our last and most recent rendezvous was in October 2024, at the beginning of rut. Big Buck, with 8 points on his antlers, spent an afternoon in our backyard for six hours; I know it was six hours because we closely monitored the clock.

My family kept vigil as Big Buck sat casually and comfortably in the shaded grass. Several times, it looked as though Big Buck took a nap. He occasionally meandered to the bushes and other foliage for a bite to eat, then rested, ate, then rested again.

My dearest deer friends, I think of you every day. You are always in my heart. Now that winter is over, I eagerly anticipate our next chance meeting and await the life miracle of newborn white-tailed deer.

Since November 2024, when the Arlington County Government committed a grave and uneducated political error to allow sharpshooters to kill you, I have devoted every minute of every day fighting on your behalf.

Please know that the majority of Arlington, Virginia residents are on your side. Compassionate and committed citizens understand the importance and joy of your presence. We believe in and practice peaceful coexistence with white-tailed deer and all wildlife in our community.

It is my heartfelt mission to guard you from harm, preserve your inalienable right to live peacefully among us human animals, and ensure that you remain free and alive as nature intended.

With eternal devotion and affection,

Jeannette Louise Smith

***

Local wildlife photographer, Beth Howell, photographed “Newborn” at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Newborn was featured in the Huntley Meadows Photo Exhibit: Nature Through Women’s Eyes in 2024.

The Nature Through Women’s Eyes Exhibit was also featured at The Hollingsworth Art Gallery National Wildlife Visitor Center in Maryland, the USGS National Center in Reston, Virginia, and Green Springs Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia.

More of Beth Howell’s inspirational wildlife photography can be seen in the Huntley Meadows Park Photography Facebook Group.

For more information on Peaceful Coexistence with white-tailed deer and Non-lethal Deer Management in Arlington, Virginia visit: No Killing Deer In Arlington

The Arlington Deer population has declined 23% from 290 deer in 2021 to 222 deer in 2025. Ask the Arlington County Board and Department of Natural Resources to stop the sharpshooting of deer and instead place a complete emphasis on successful science-based, non-lethal solutions that respect and protect deer, humans, and our ecosystem.

Click here to write the Arlington County Board and Department of Natural Resources.

Please be polite and professional with your communication.

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