by Derrick |
Last Updated: May 16, 2022 Some people argue that hunting is a necessary evil, as deer populations can become out of control and cause damage to crops and property.
Others contend that deer hunting is cruel and unnecessary, as there are other methods of population control.
Is deer hunting necessary? Yes, deer hunting is necessary to manage the deer herd and keep a healthy deer population. Without hunting, deer will become malnourished and many common deer diseases would spread unchecked.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hunt deer is a personal one. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of deer hunting before making a decision.
On the pro side, deer hunting can help to keep populations in check, which can minimize the damage they can cause to crops and property. In addition, hunting provides a source of food for many people who would otherwise go hungry.
On the con side, some people argue that deer hunting is cruel and inhumane. They also point out that there are other methods of population control, such as contraception, that do not involve killing animals.
Deer Overpopulation and What Would Happen If We Didn’t Hunt Deer
Deer overpopulation is a problem in many areas of the United States because deer eat a lot of vegetation. This can lead to problems for the environment and the plants that deer eat.
If deer eat the limbs off of some trees, it will actually kill the plant. In some areas with high concentrations of deer, the deer will eat all of the understories of the forest. This can lead to soil erosion and the destruction of habitats. If deer overpopulation is not managed it can result in the displacement of other animals, and an overall decrease in biodiversity.
In some areas, deer will also eat crops that farmers are trying to grow. This can lead to economic problems for the farmer, as they may not be able to sell their crop leading to an increase in food prices.
In extreme cases, deer overpopulation can lead to starvation of the animals as they compete for food. Even the deer and other animals that don’t starve are impacted as they have less food, and are generally less healthy overall.
Deer overpopulation can also lead to deer getting hit by cars more often. This can lead to safety issues as car accidents increase. All of this will lead to an increase in insurance rates.
Methods of Population Control
There are a few different methods that can be used to control deer populations.
One is hunting, which is the main focus of this article. Hunting is really more of a management tool. The goal isn’t to reduce the population but to manage it to keep the deer herd strong, not overpopulated, where issues, as mentioned above, occur.
Another is relocation. This has been tested within some states in the USA but has not been proven to be an effective long-term solution. It is expensive to do, and really hard to do in a way that won’t cause more harm than good to the deer or their new environment. It is simply shifting deer from an overpopulated area to another area that gradually then becomes overpopulated.
This is where deer are captured in large humane traps, or tranquilized and relocated from urban areas to the country.
Is It Cruel To Hunt Deer?
Ethical hunting involves being sure you have a good chance of a clean kill, so the animal does not suffer.
Many people who are against hunting argue that it is cruel because the animals often do not die instantly.
Yes, if a shot isn’t well placed then the deer may be wounded and run off, only to later suffer.
However, if done correctly, hunting can actually be one of the more beneficial methods to the overall deer herd within an area.
Circling Back
Circling back to understand if hunting is necessary, it comes down to your personal beliefs. At least in the United States, the deer population management is left up to your state government.
If you agree with hunting you can participate in the legal deer hunting season within your state.
If you disagree with deer hunting you can voice your opinion to your state government, or get involved with deer management in other ways.
Agreeing To Disagree
Personally I see the benefits of hunting, but I can also respect the opinion of those that don’t want to hunt.
I think it is important that we come to a place of understanding, so we can have a dialogue and learn from each other.
We may not always agree, but at least we can try to see things from another person’s perspective. This will ensure that the deer herd is around for future generations to enjoy.
If you are a hunter be sure to not talk about hunting to those that don’t agree with it. Not only will this avoid an argument, but it will also show that you respect their opinion.
The same goes for those that are against hunting, be sure to not talk about your beliefs around those that do enjoy deer hunting.
At the end of the day we all just want what is best for the deer, and to ensure they are around for future generations to enjoy.
What are your thoughts on deer hunting? Is it necessary or cruel? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Conclusion
Whether you agree with hunting deer or not, it’s important to understand the consequences of what would happen if we didn’t hunt them. Deer overpopulation can lead to a lot of problems for both the environment and humans. There are methods to control the population, but it ultimately comes down to what you believe.
