Deer are beautiful animals, but dealing with them within our city limits and on personal property can be difficult. Deer often seek out these areas due to the lack of predators, limited or no hunting pressure, and large amounts of food resources (landscaping, gardens, and sometimes supplemental feeding).

Below are some tips, restrictions and city ordinances related to Dunwoody's deer population:

Don’t feed the deer

Don’t leave out food such as fruits, grains, salt licks, vegetables, nuts, or anything else that might attract deer and make them reliant on humans. Make sure bird feeders are five feet above ground or screened, and sweep up loose bird seed that may pile up under a feeder. If you have fruiting trees, pick the fruit as soon as they are ripe and get rid of any dropped fruit. 

Protect your garden

According to the University of Georgia Extension, there is no such thing as deer-resistant plants. But deer generally stay away from plants with strong scents, so adding lantana, catmint, chives, mint, sage, or thyme to your garden might help. Deer also avoid plants with prickly or rough leaves or a bitter taste, but they will eat just about anything if they’re facing limited food options. Other ideas include motion-activated sprinklers or alarms to scare away deer. Fencing can help, but deer are known to jump fences as high as eight feet. Stringing electric fences can stop localized damage to a garden.

Understand hunting laws

Bow hunting is permitted in residential areas on private property with permission of the property owner and a state hunting license. No hunting is permitted on any public property, and firearm hunting is not allowed within city limits. Archery season starts in September and runs until January 31 in metro Atlanta counties to help reduce the growing deer population. 

Keep your distance

Wild animals, including deer, can be unpredictable. Give all wild animals the space and respect they deserve. Keeping dogs on short leashes can help prevent conflict between dogs and deer or other wildlife. Deer can become aggressive if they feel threatened or feel their fawns are in danger. 

Drive carefully

Deer-vehicle collisions are serious and scary, so keep an extra eye out for deer while driving. If a deer is injured, call 911. A Dunwoody Police Officer can assess the situation and will likely have to put down the deer. DeKalb Animal Control does not respond to injured deer. 

DeKalb County Sanitation will collect dead animals along roadways. To request collection, call 404-294-2900 or email sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, providing as much information as possible regarding the location and type of animal to be collected. Collection will occur within 48 hours of the service request date. 

A dead animal on private property is the owner’s responsibility. Typical removal options include hiring an NWCO (nuisance wildlife control operator) or removal service. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources does not remove dead animals.