Population Monitoring

To inform data-driven, adaptive management, the County will periodically survey the size and geographic distribution of its deer population using aerial drones equipped with both conventional and infrared cameras. Documenting the size and locations of deer over time will allow the County to more precisely plan management activities and measure the effectiveness of the program over time.

The aerial drone surveys will cover all of Arlington County, except for certain federal lands restricted by federal regulations, and highly urbanized corridors such as Rosslyn Ballston and Crystal City.

The most recent deer drone survey occurred in March 2025. You can find a map and graph detailing the survey's findings here.

A prior drone survey was conducted in 2021. You can find a report detailing the survey’s findings here.