Controlled deer hunt expands to 10 Pittsburgh parks; hunters target overgrown herd

Deer found in 10 of Pittsburgh’s parks will be in the sights of 65 bow hunters as the Department of Public Safety expands the city’s controlled management program.

The hunt started over the weekend and will continue for the next few months.

City officials in 2023 approved the limited hunting program in an effort to address a white-tailed deer population officials said had grown too large. Hunting initially was limited to Frick and Riverview parks and 30 archers culled 108 deer.

It grew during the 2024-25 season to Schenley, Highland and Emerald View parks. Then, 199 deer were taken from the five parks, according to a harvest report.

With the number of parks doubling this season, archers additionally will be allowed in Hays Woods, McKinley Park, Hazelwood Greenway, Southside Park and Seldom Seen Greenway, according to the Department of Public Safety. A mentorship program will be piloted at Hays Woods, allowing an archer to work with a youth hunter between 10 and 16 years old.

Targeted harvesting by contracted U.S. Department of Agriculture officials will take place over the winter and during the spring at Schenley and Emerald View parks.

Archery will be ongoing through Dec. 13. It will resume Dec. 26 and run through Jan. 24. Hunting will be prohibited on all Sundays during those periods. Notices have been placed in all the affected parks and green spaces. Park-goers are encouraged to stay on established trails.

Anyone who notices a game violation is asked to report it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 724-238-9523. Officials have said there haven’t been any public safety incidents during the previous programs. Some of the venison has been donated to local food banks.