Pittsburgh restarts Deer Management Program, expanding archery hunts into 3 new parks

PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh restarted its Deer Management Program on Saturday, expanding controlled archery hunts into Sheraden Park and the Spring Hill/Garden Greenway.

The program is operated in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to manage white-tailed deer overpopulation in municipal parks following three previous seasons.

According to city officials, unmanaged deer populations have led to an increase in vehicle collisions, overeating of native plant species and a loss of natural fear toward humans. The USDA recommended an integrated management approach using controlled archery after non-lethal alternatives, such as birth control and sterilization, are not legal in Pennsylvania.

Sixty-five archers from Southwestern Pennsylvania were selected for the 2026–2027 season following background checks, wildlife violation reviews and archery accuracy assessments. The vetted participants will operate in designated zones across participating parks.

Archery hunting is scheduled in two phases, running from Saturday through Dec. 13 and from Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. Hunting is excluded on all Sundays, except for approved mentor hunts in Hays Woods.

In addition to the two new locations, controlled archery will continue across previously established sites, including Frick, Schenley, Highland, Riverview, Emerald View, Woods, McKinley and Southside Parks, alongside the Seldom Seen and Hazelwood Greenways.

The city is also expanding its hunter mentorship initiative in coordination with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, enabling vetted archers to mentor youth and adult hunters.

Notice signs have been posted at park entrances and greenways to inform visitors when hunting is underway. Park visitors are advised to remain on established trails, keep dogs on leashes and give space to authorized archers. Game violations can be reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 724-238-9523.

Also, contracted USDA officials are scheduled to conduct targeted deer harvesting in Woods, Seldom Seen and Highland Parks during the winter and spring of 2027.

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