Peachtree City Tests Deer Hunting Program to Address Safety and Overpopulation

Peachtree City has launched a pilot deer hunting program this fall, marking the first structured attempt to manage a herd that has grown large enough to raise safety and ecological concerns.

For years, residents have reported seeing deer grazing along cart paths, darting into traffic, and stripping neighborhood gardens. But the biggest issue has been road safety. Fayette County now has the second-highest number of deer-related vehicle collisions in Georgia.

“Reducing collisions is the primary goal,” said Assistant City Manager Chris Hobby, who was asked to review deer management shortly after starting his role last November. “The secondary goal is to reduce property damage in people’s yards. And of course, herd health is always a concern when populations grow too large.”

How the program works

The pilot hunt is taking place in the Flat Creek Greenbelt, where city surveys found a dense deer population. Working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a wildlife biologist, the city developed a controlled archery-only program modeled after one in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Each weekend from September through December, up to eight hunters are allowed in the greenbelt. Participants were chosen by lottery, with preference given to city residents. More than 160 applied for fewer than 100 available spots.

Hunters must use elevated tree stands and stay at least 150 feet from cart paths, ensuring arrows cannot reach public areas. The hunt is also structured to focus on does, alternating between “doe-only” weekends and “doe-and-buck” weekends, with restrictions on the type of buck that may be taken.

During the first weekend, three deer were harvested—all quick, clean kills. “That’s what we had hoped for,” Hobby said. “Safe, humane, and effective.”

Hunters’ experience

Local hunter Dr. Noah Marchese is among those who drew a lottery slot. A lifelong archer, he supports the city’s effort but wishes it offered more flexibility.

“They’re alternating weekends—one week you can take a buck or a doe, the next week it’s doe-only,” Marchese said. “So I finally get picked, and it’s a doe weekend. I see all these big bucks and can’t touch them. That’s my only gripe.”

Still, Marchese noted the city’s attention to safety and structure. “It’s archery only. Arrows don’t travel more than 50 yards, and you’re required to shoot down from a tree stand. It’s a great control method,” he said.

Balancing concerns

City leaders know not everyone is comfortable with hunting as a management tool. Hobby emphasized that the meat from harvested deer will be used, and hunters who do not follow the rules will be removed from the program.

“This isn’t a trophy hunt,” he said. “Nothing goes to waste, and the wildlife biologists will tell you this is good for the ecosystem and for the herd.”

To further ensure oversight, hunters are required to check in when they arrive, report when they take a shot, and notify the city when a deer is killed or retrieved. Vehicles are only allowed on cart paths briefly for retrieval.

What comes next

Because the program is limited to one greenbelt this year, residents are unlikely to notice a dramatic change in deer numbers. But officials say if the pilot proves successful, the city plans to expand to additional areas in 2026.

With more than 160 people applying for just 96 hunting slots this year, demand was strong. Hobby said every Peachtree City resident who applied was given a chance to participate, and the city expects to reopen the lottery next fall.

“Our hope is that this becomes a long-term solution that improves safety for drivers and health for the herd,” Hobby said.