How Does Hunting Keep Deer From Overpopulating?
Hunting is a controversial issue. Animal lovers find hunting cruel if deer are killed just for sport. Hunters defend themselves by arguing that hunting deer helps keep the deer population in check (and provides a freezer full of meat). Deer are overpopulating because they have a decrease in natural predators. Humans are the largest group of predators for deer today.
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Population Increase
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Deer were once a big food source for humans. This animal was hunted for food as well as used for other supplies, such as clothes. Life has changed and that is not necessary anymore. Suburban living has also pushed the deer out of their habitat. The wooded areas they once populated have become scarcer. This has also led to a decrease in living areas sustainable for deer predators, such as wolves, which are therefore no longer preying on deer as they used to. The deer population is increasing. It is becoming so large that woods, yards, agriculture and even humans are all being effected.
Deer Issues
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Deer are moving into areas inhabited by humans to find food. Often deer eat vegetables and harm gardens, farmland and landscaping while feeding. This means there is less food to be produced and less on our tables. Still there is not enough food to sustain the growing deer population, which causes starvation. Starving deer are more susceptible to diseases, such as tapeworm and roundworm as well as lyme disease. When deer become diseased the illness can move quickly throughout the population.
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Other problems
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Deer moving into populated areas leads to other issues. Hungry deer search high and low for food. This leads them to areas that are dangerous to the general public. Deer related accidents often occur, usually ending in the deer's death. While a damaged vehicle means costs for the motorist, roads and rails might get damaged during an accident as well. This leads to a cost to the general public. Money is not the main issue though. Injury to motorists, passengers and others are potential hazards that cause concern.
Stop Overpopulating
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Hunting deer is considered a more humane way to die. Keeping the deer population under control is a reasonable solution. Hunting to keep deer from overpopulating helps both deer and humans. Hunting season is a time for licensed hunters to go after deer. There are certain months they kill deer with some restrictions, such as using only a rifle or only bow and arrow. Another option found at various times during the year are controlled deer hunts. These hunts are often scheduled at particular locations, such as at national and state parks. Hunters and marksmen register to participate in these events focusing on controlling deer overpopulation.
Benefits
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Deer hunting is a benefit when it comes to controlling deer overpopulation. Hunters consider their efforts a more humane way for the deer to die. Dying of starvation can be a miserable experience that leads to long suffering for the animal. Hunters are also protecting vegetation which allows more productive crops to be found in stores. This helps store owners and farmers with their livelihood. Another major benefit is helping save lives when it comes to deer related vehicle accidents.
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References
- Photo Credit whitetail buck headshot. image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com hunting image by glgec from Fotolia.com
