Why the population of deer increased so much?

IERE ^ | 11/18/25 | James Murray

[DallasBiff]

Why Has the Deer Population Exploded? Understanding the Surge in Deer Numbers

The dramatic increase in deer populations stems primarily from human-induced changes to their environment, including habitat alteration, predator removal, and supplemental feeding, leading to Why the population of deer increased so much?

Introduction: The Unseen Rise of the White-Tailed Deer

The rustling in the woods, the flash of a white tail – encounters with deer have become increasingly common. But what’s driving this proliferation of deer across vast swathes of North America and other regions? It’s a complex issue with deep roots in ecological changes, human intervention, and the remarkable adaptability of these creatures. Understanding the causes behind Why the population of deer increased so much? is crucial for managing ecosystems and mitigating the potential consequences of overpopulation.

Loss of Natural Predators: A Critical Imbalance

One of the most significant factors is the drastic reduction in natural predators. Historically, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and coyotes kept deer populations in check.

Wolves: The apex predator, wolves exerted the strongest influence.

Mountain Lions: Another major predator, particularly in mountainous regions.

Bears: Opportunistic predators, especially of fawns.

Coyotes: While less effective on adult deer, coyotes prey on fawns and contribute to population control.

---

TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Food
KEYWORDS: deer

[DallasBiff]

Not a deer hunter. Still remember being on a bus in a rural area and the bus hit a deer, the driver put the hit deer in the empty luggage compartment.

Gave us some venison jerky later.

[JBW1949]

I just drove 42 miles in central North Carolina on highway 64 and counted 7 dead deer on the side of the road...I am a former hunter and I HATE to see the dead deer....

[mitchjackson1972]

so if it has gotten that large can we increase the amount of hunting permits? also someone tell me how this dang continent has so much elk and deer yet most our meat options are either beef or chicken, why isn’t venison more common?

[Carry_Okie]

The deer population around human habitation increases as predation forces them into it. In California, total deer numbers are way down, but you couldn’t convince suburbia of that.

[hoosierham]

Restrictions on hunting and overzealous enforcement against poaching. I have not seen a poacher since my first car totaled by a deer.

We DO NOY need more wolves,etc. Just let humans harvest more deer.

[Paladin2]

Deer largely cut my grass [but not the weeds :-( ] and sleep on the property. The dog now regards them as non-threats. And I do nothing to encourage it.

The Big Horns are now starting to move in over the last two years. They tear stuff up.

[goodnesswins]

disease? We get venison sticks from a CLEAN deer company...but I would not take venison from locals any longer.

[Hot Tabasco]

One of the most significant factors is the drastic reduction in natural predators.

Michigan hasn't had any natural predators in over a hundred years.

It's loss of habitat here in S.E. Michigan and no safe means to kill them since they are living in wooded pockets in suburbia..

Where I live, there is a 1/10 square mile wooded area between my sub and an 8 lane highway. I know there are at least five deer in there since my trail camera picked them up in my back yard by my bird feeder. And every year at least two deer are seen dead by the highway who were hit by vehicles.

[Paladin2]

“Just let humans harvest more deer.”

That’s where I am at.

Screw the King, let the People eat.

[Hot Tabasco]

“Just let humans harvest more deer.”

Here in Michigan, we have very liberal deer hunting laws. From does, to bucks, to bows, to rifles, to black powder, it's almost endless.

[9YearLurker]

The original Uber Eats.

[JBW1949]

Same in Tennessee where I am from...

[eastforker]

Here in Alabama, each hunter can harvest 3 deer, no license needed on private property or private leases and no license for residents 65 and older including fishing license. We have a ton of public TVA land for hunters. Still lots of deer in the state.

[CFW]

There are not as many hunters as there were in the past. My hubby gets 3 or 4 a year and has for decades. Neither of my sons hunt but my eldest grandson got his first deer at age 11.

As recently as twenty or so years ago, men hunted deer to put venison in the freezer. I know when I was growing up, we were excited when Dad got one because we knew we would be eating really well for the winter.

I used to hear gunshots all weekend, and some during weekdays, once deer season opened. I don’t think I’ve heard but one or two shots this season.

[Leaning Right]

> no safe means to kill them since they are living in wooded pockets in suburbia <

Some suburban communities near me are hiring bow hunters to do the job. I suppose that’s safer than using a shotgun or rifle.

It would make sense to alert the locals as to when the bow hunters are in action. After all, you don’t want some guy mowing his yard to catch an arrow. But whether or not alerts go out I do not know.

[TBall]

I’m doing my part. I got a big 5 pointer last Wednesday. Getting ready to cook up a tenderloin for dinner.

[Raycpa]

The reason is simple. Bambi’s Daddy and Bambi’s Mommy loved each other very much and one day Bambi’s Daddy.... oh wait this a place safe for children. So children this is a question you need to ask your mom and dad.

[conductor john]

I am the neighborhood lean up crew- almost a dozen within 1/2 mile this fall- county road HUNTERDON county, aptly named. I drag em with carryall to back fields A- the turkey buzzards can get run over! Also a few eagles spotted!

[aumrl]

less hunters
period

NRA - TALK UP HUNTING

[Karoo]

we have about 20-25 deer in our yard — nc mtn rural home

nobody hunts them. And in fact, when Helene hit our county, the DOT from the eastern NC came to help clean the debris, rocks, landslides. They could not believe how friendly our deer were.