Why aren’t hunters being used?
The program does involve hunters and they are a key component to its success. However, hunters alone cannot address the overpopulation crisis. Despite the number of deer killed as a result of recreational hunting, auto accidents and normal mortality combined, the size of the herd is still growing – it is beyond the point where hunting alone can have an impact. There are several factors that inhibit the ability of recreational hunting to control the herd. State regulations severely restrict recreational hunting in suburban areas with safety zones (see map). Additionally, some hunters only seek “Trophy Bucks” and ignore does, contributing little to the goal of population control. Once the herd reaches a manageable size, the program will work with hunters and landowners to meet its goal of maintaining a healthy deer herd in the future.
