One option open to communities suffering from deer overpopulation is the use of sharpshooters to eliminate some or all of the population. Deer sharpshooting has proved itself as an effective and economical way for municipalities to reduce their deer herd.

However, this has also been one of the most controversial methods. Many people have mixed feelings about outright killing of the problem deer. Along with this, many misconceptions and myths have been generated about the process. Citizens fear that shooting firearms will cause safety concerns for the residents. Also, people do not want the deer to suffer. These apprehensions are not justified.

Deer sharpshooting has been implemented in numerous states with a high rate of success and none of the aforementioned problems. Eccologix Wildlife Management Division performs the shooting. The shooters themselves are trained marksman utilizing professional equipment and safe methods. All deer removal activities are performed at predetermined areas providing a safe distance to residents. The shoot is usually done over a bait pile to attract a high number of deer and allow for numerous shots on each outing. The shooting is done from an elevated position to ensure that the shot is aimed at the ground and not towards buildings or up in the air. The shooter uses a small caliber weapon with only sufficient energy to kill the deer. Since it is a small caliber the shots are taken from an average of 25 yards, usually with a maximum of 50 yards. The guns themselves are specialized for the task. They usually are equipped with a noise suppressor so as not to startle the deer. They are also equipped with high magnification scopes that allow for precise shot placement and low light enhancement equipment to maximize nighttime vision capabilities. Shots on deer are restricted to head and neck shots. This is to ensure a quick death. Past operations have reported that deer die within 30 seconds of the shot if not sooner.

Once the deer have been removed they are butchered and the meat donated to local food pantries and shelters.