The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the dominant large game species in Georgia. Its population size is a central concern for wildlife managers, conservationists, and the public. Understanding the number of deer across the state is important for balancing the ecological health of Georgia’s diverse habitats with the safety and economic interests of its residents. The restoration of the deer population from near-extinction in the early 20th century was a significant conservation success, but managing the resulting population density now presents distinct challenges.
Current Population Estimates
The white-tailed deer population in Georgia is currently estimated to be around 1.1 to 1.2 million animals, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This figure reflects a managed decline from the historical peak of approximately 1.9 million deer that occurred in the late 1990s.
The population decrease resulted directly from management efforts aimed at balancing the herd with the landscape and human tolerance levels. The herd size has remained relatively stable in recent years, hovering near the one-million mark since about 2017. While the statewide average density is considered ecologically appropriate, local populations can vary dramatically, with some areas exceeding 100 deer per forested square mile.
Methods for Population Tracking
Accurately counting a mobile and elusive species like the white-tailed deer across a large state is not feasible. Therefore, the DNR relies on a combination of scientific, indirect methods to estimate population size and trends. The foundation of this tracking system is the mandatory reporting of hunter harvest data, which provides the state with a large dataset on the number, sex, and age of deer removed from the population each year.
The harvest data is analyzed using sophisticated population reconstruction models, which work backward from the age structure of the harvested animals to estimate the total herd size. To supplement this, the state uses other biological and observational data, such as annual fawn recruitment rates and physical condition indices. In localized areas, particularly urban environments, the DNR may employ more direct methods like spotlight surveys or thermal imaging from aircraft to get a clearer picture of deer density. All these data points are integrated to produce statistically valid estimates of the statewide and regional deer populations.
Ecological and Human Impacts
The current deer population level, though lower than its peak, still results in significant ecological and human conflicts across the state. The primary ecological issue is overbrowsing, where high densities of deer consume native vegetation faster than it can regenerate. This alters the forest understory and impacts biodiversity. This heavy foraging pressure can suppress the growth of certain plant species, leading to a less diverse habitat structure.
The population also poses a threat to public safety and property through deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs). Georgia consistently ranks among the top states nationally for animal collision insurance claims, with deer responsible for the majority of these incidents. State Farm estimates that drivers in Georgia have a chance of about 1-in-109 of being involved in a collision with an animal. These collisions are most frequent during the breeding season, known as the rut, which peaks between October and December.
A concern for the future is the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. Although CWD had not been detected in Georgia, the state confirmed its first case in a hunter-harvested deer in Lanier County in January 2025. CWD is caused by infectious prions and is always fatal, necessitating immediate, localized management actions to contain its spread.
Management Strategies
The Georgia DNR’s strategy relies primarily on regulated hunting to maintain the herd size within a sustainable and socially acceptable range. This includes setting specific hunting seasons and flexible bag limits designed to encourage the harvest of antlerless deer, or does. Increasing the harvest of does is the most effective biological tool for reducing or stabilizing the overall population.
In addition to statewide regulations, the DNR works with local communities to implement special urban deer management programs. These programs often utilize modern archery equipment in areas where traditional firearm hunting is not suitable, allowing for targeted removal in dense suburban areas. The state has also implemented regulations to address the threat of CWD, including establishing CWD Management Areas in affected counties like Lanier and Berrien. These rules prohibit the transport of certain carcass parts out of the management area and urge hunters to participate in voluntary testing of harvested deer.