Allegheny County needs a policy to curb its problematic deer population, said County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

During town hall meetings on upgrading county parks, Mr. Onorato has talked with hunters and property owners about the county's role in wildlife management, he said.

"We really do have a problem," Mr. Onorato said. "I live in the city on the North Side. Last week my dog was going crazy -- there were seven deer in my back yard."

The county has a contract with White Tail Management, a nonprofit archers' group that conducts limited, controlled hunts targeting does during regular archery season in county parks. The group will conduct qualifying shoots May 4 and May 11 at Northside Sportsmen's Association in Marshall. For details call 412-931-9438.

Mr. Onorato said the county needs a broader, more comprehensive plan.

"The deer don't know where the park boundaries are," he said. "It's very clear that appropriate management of wildlife is something we have to do."

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has sole responsibility for the state's wildlife management. County and local governments interested in the control of wild animals are required to submit a management plan to the agency.

"I'm committed to that," Mr. Onorato said. "I want an overall policy -- to establish a plan to deal with the deer in parks and throughout the county."