Posted on 11/23/2025 2:15:03 PM PST by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at iere.org ...
I hit a deer going about 45 mph. Its head pretty much exploded, and the carcas went sliding into a gully on the other side of the road. I called the cops to get a report for insurance. While I waited, a guy showed up, and asked if I wanted the deer (I figured he must have had a police scanner).
I said "No" and he threw it in the back of his pickup and drove away.
With the high price of beef, let’s move 5 pct of demand to venison.
I was raised in my early years in the Rocky Mountains and saw deer all the time. Then in 1956, dad moved us to the Ozarks where I never saw a deer till 1970. All those hillbillies shot them on sight no matter what time of the year.
With better enforcement I saw an increase in deer by 1977, now they are everywhere as people are too lazy to shoot and butcher them. My game cameras show deer all around anymore. I have a man who hunts my property and has taken quite a few legal ones.
In Arkansas and Oklahoma the limit is six deer of which two must be bucks.
I know all too well. We have a small pond in the woods behind our house and we are on state highway. We get 3 or more dead by car in front of house each year.
I was poking fun on the question of why there are so many not on their danger and nuisance. Its impossible for us to have vegetable garden and always worried about lyme ticks.
This year, like last year, I got three doe licenses and I just finished dinner which was deer {backstraps...the best} and that was the last of my 2024 harvest.
This coming Saturday will open rifle season here in PA and from talking to the farmer where I hunt, we will most likely fill our tags on the first day.
I scouted the area last week and from 7 to 8 AM I counted over 10 and there was no one pushing them.
We have been hunting the same farm since the late 70's in Washington County, and have never come out empty {not always the first day}.
Unfortunately, the road kill has been massive and Interstate Route 70 from the Turnpike West to Ohio is like a slaughter house, it is 57 miles of blood and guts and it seems to get worse each year.
I don't have an answer to the road kill situation, just slow down during the rut because a horny buck won't.
In the past, when a city had too many deer the city would have professionals come in with silenced rifles, sub-sonic ammo and night vision scopes, on a certain night clean the deer pocket out. That way it does not upset the people and old ladies who feed the deer.
Last year I visited kin in the middle of Nashville TN. The next morning there were several deer in their yard.
That’s good eatin’ for sure...Good luck opening day....
That’s good eatin’ for sure...Good luck opening day....
IMO, that is why you hunt...
I agree. And, venison is a great tasting meat if processed and cooked properly. If the hunter rides around all afternoon with the carcass in the back of the truck, the meat is going to be bitter. As to recipes, we do a bacon wrapped tenderloin that is about the best tasting dish you could dream of. I don’t understand why more people DON’T hunt.
Speaking of processing,
“Fewer Wyoming Wild Game Butchers Struggle To Keep Up With Hunter Demand”
A friend lived in a residential area that bordered a hospital. Lots of green areas.
He would camo up and slip into a secluded area. He always took a buck and a couple of does in his urban hunting area. Bow hunting of course!
I hope to go deer hunting again, perhaps next fall. In the meantime, there are birds and the occasional rabbit to satisfy my ravening bloodlust.
Sorry about the leg, that must be difficult. I saw a guy at the grocery store a while ago with an artificial leg. He had a T-shirt that said, “What the hell are you staring at, you two-legged freak?” I liked the attitude.
LOL...That is good...
“Why Has the Deer Population Exploded?”
Because we haven’t convinced enough people that they’re delicious.
CC
I live in Michigan’s thumb. And here there are two types of drivers: those who have hit a deer and those who are going to. All they plant here is corn and sugar beets. And the deer absolutely love both.
CC
Son in law just got a nice deer. The butcher is great and is adding pork to the ground beef...apparently one of the options. I usually add it...but SIL upped me. Great guy. Good hunter. Got it with a bow.
“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.”
This is a key factor in many states - decreasing number of hunters. It is a generational thing I believe.
This article and the responses are making my trigger finger itch.
Venison jerky is a favorite of mine.
I always had pork added to ground deer also...It cooks up much better, I think...Deer is so lean by itself....
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