Conflicts between overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and humans have become a prominent management concern, especially in urban areas. Communities experiencing problems associated with overabundant deer are searching for safe and effective methods to reduce urban deer populations. Our objectives were to assess public perceptions and expectations about deer management issues, hunt effectiveness, and relative changes in "cultural carrying capacity" before and after an intense shotgun-archery deer hunt in a residential community. During a 7-year period, we conducted 3 surveys that targeted all residents in the community. During all 3 surveys, 90-98% of residents returned their surveys. Most residents (98%) believed the hunt reduced the deer population, and most (82%) rated how the hunt was conducted as good to excellent. After the hunt the community experienced less damage to landscape plantings and reported fewer cases of Lyme disease. Residents affected by hunted deer experienced greater relief from deer damage to plantings and greater satisfaction with hunt effectiveness than residents affected by partially hunted deer. Two of every 3 residents who did not support hunting before the hunt indicated afterward that they would support hunting in their community in the future. From 1998-2001, the deer population was reduced by 92% while incidents of Lyme disease decreased by 83%. The community's tolerance for deer was close to zero before and immediately after the hunt. Hunts should target all potential areas that may contribute to a community's deer population to maximize hunt success and resident satisfaction. Hunt programs that are fast, safe, and maximize harvest opportunities should increase community support for hunting as a management tool.