Do I have to make a starter?

Other Fermentables
1

of Lalvin D47 for peach mead or can I just pitch a few packets?

2

I’d definitely skip the starter and just use two packets.  Never used D47 specifically , but it has worked well with other dry yeasts, so I say go for it.  On a few occasions, I’ve used three packets of dry yeast for stronger meads.

I’m sure others will weigh in…

3

I don’t make starters for mead. My last mead was 1.140, and I pitched 2 packets of  Red Star Pasteur Champagne yeast. Fermented perfectly.

4

Not a starter, but you should rehydrate the yeast.  In addition, use some Go-Ferm when rehydrating.

5

multiple packets = yes

6

+1

rehydrate and pitch accordingly