Sharpshooting

Specially trained Park Police officers conduct sharpshooting activities at select parks to reduce deer populations and alleviate issues caused by high deer densities. Parks selected for deer sharpshooting operations are not feasible for regulated public hunting. Sharpshooting activities take place February 1 - March 31. The sharpshooting program is designed with public safety as the top priority. Operations will take place from sunset to sunrise when parks are generally closed to the public.

Program Rules

The sharpshooting program is directed and supervised by the Department's Park Ranger Unit and Park Police Division. Officers participating in this program have received extensive specialized weapons training.

  • Weapons are discharged only when a safe foreground and background to the target exists.
  • Deer are removed safely, discreetly, and humanely.
  • All deer harvested through this program are donated to local food banks to feed families in need.

Sharpshooting Locations

Sharpshooting activities will take place at:

  • Brandywine-North Keys Community Park, Brandywine
  • Colmar Manor Park, Brentwood 
  • Compton-Bassett Farm, Upper Marlboro
  • Cosca Regional Park, Clinton 
  • Dyson Farm Complex, Brandywine
  • Enterprise Golf Course, Mitchellville
  • Governor's Bridge Natural Area/Greenbranch Property, Bowie
  • Henson Creek Stream Valley Park, Fort Washington
  • Marlton Community Park, Upper Marlboro
  • Mount Calvert Historic and Archeological Park, Upper Marlboro 
  • Old Marbury Farm Site, Clinton
  • Oxon Hill Manor, Oxon Hill
  • Randall Farm Maintenance Facility, Upper Marlboro
  • Saddlebrook East Park, Bowie 
  • Walker Mill Regional Park (farm/undeveloped side), District Heights
  • Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro

Parks where sharpshooting operations are implemented are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise. Some parks will have facilities that are still open to the public after sunset. Park Police will be on-site at these locations.

Additional Information

For questions or more information, please contact the Park Ranger Office at (301) 627-7755 or email us at DeerManagement@pgparks.com. Public comments about the program, and existing and new sites can be sent via email.