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Arlington will move forward in February with a sharpshooter program targeting deer in eight parks where officials say overpopulation has caused the greatest ecological damage.

Adam Segel-Moss of Arlington Parks and Recreation acknowledged Thursday night that killing deer remains difficult for many residents, including members of his own family. After extensive research and community engagement, however, county officials concluded that professional sharpshooting—focused primarily on does—is the most humane, safe, efficient and effective option for protecting forested parks.

Public opinion shifted during the county’s review. Initially, 55 percent of participating residents supported managing the deer population, though preferred methods varied. Surgical sterilization drew 63 percent support, while 43 percent favored sharpshooters and 34 percent supported archery. In a second round of engagement, 85 percent favored deer management and 80 percent supported using sharpshooters.

John Marlin, deputy division chief of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Parks and Natural Resources Division, said excessive browsing affects native flowering plants, insects, birds, small mammals, trees and the deer themselves. Oaks are especially vulnerable because deer readily consume their acorns, threatening a resource that supports much of the surrounding ecosystem.

Certified professionals, including shooters with military or police sniper experience, will operate for one or two nights in each park area. The eight locations will be handled sequentially.

Each park will close during the operation. Crews will search for anyone who ignores closure notices, maintain surveillance and monitor the area closely. Shooters will fire downward from elevated stands, use lead-free ammunition and confirm that animals are dead after being shot.

Most of the targeted deer will be females because reducing the number of does can quickly slow reproduction in a population without natural predators. Some bucks may also be removed because of the damage they can cause.

The county’s two-part strategy pairs an immediate population reduction with efforts to protect recovering vegetation through deer repellents and small-scale fencing. Officials plan to use aerial surveillance and other data to track deer numbers and forest regeneration, adjusting the program based on the results.

The objective is not to eliminate deer from Arlington, but to bring their population into better balance with the parks’ ability to sustain them.

The county will also work with Hunters for the Hungry. Meat from the removed deer will be tested for disease and, once cleared, donated to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.