Posted on 12/08/2005 9:01:58 AM PST by InvisibleChurch
Unchecked by predators, deer populations are exploding in a way that is profoundly unnatural and that is destroying the ecosystem in many parts of the country. According to Nicholas D. Kristof of the New York Times, we should bring back hunting and reestablish a balance in the natural world.
In a wilderness area, there might be 10 deer per square mile, but in parts of New Jersey, there are up to 200 per square mile. The exploding deer populations are harming humans, says Kristof:
More Americans are killed by deer each year than by any other large American mammal, including bears, cougars and wolves. A study for the insurance industry estimated that deer kill 150 people a year in car crashes nationwide and cause $1 billion in damages. Ticks and Lyme disease, a more indirect effect from deer, also kill humans. Agreeing on a solution for controlling deer populations and protecting humans has proven difficult. These days, among the university-educated crowd in the cities, hunting is viewed as barbaric. Towns in New York and New Jersey are talking about using birth control to keep deer populations down, although deer contraception has not been very successful. Meanwhile, some towns are paying big bucks, taking out contracts on deer through discreet private companies.
Kristof says this is ridiculous. We have an environmental imbalance caused in part by the decline of hunting, he says. Humans first wiped out certain predators -- like wolves and cougars -- but then expected their own role as predators to sustain a rough ecological balance.
The humane and green solution, says Kristof, is to encourage hunting, and many environmentalists agree. Deer are not pets, and many find hunting them is preferable to letting deer die of hunger and disease. Furthermore, hunting connects people with the outdoors and creates a broader constituency for wilderness preservation.
For text: Nicholas D. Kristof, "For Environmental Balance, Pick Up a Rifle," New York Times, December 4, 2005.
For text (subscription required):
http://select.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/opinion/04kristof.html?hp&oref=login
For more on Environment:
http://eteam.ncpa.org/issues/?c=wildlife-issues
What? You told 2 bucks their hooves were untied? :)
200 deer per square mile?
----
That sounds a little suspect to me.
But I forgot about the deer projects in NJ. All that overcrowding. It's a shame.
I just love deer sausage.
We need to re-assert that we are at the top of the food chain. Let's change PETA to People Eat The Animals.
Had a heart stopping moment a few weeks ago. I was driving down a deserted interstate (yes, they can and do exist occasionally!) late at night. I saw a blur of movement as I spend past...looking in my rear view mirror I saw that two deer had jumped out JUST behind my car. FAINT. Another milisecond and I'd have hit them both. Thanks, Jesus!
I've got one of those! Roby non-commissioned officer's sword
True, because they had lots more cougars/panthers/mountain lions and wolves.
Try driving down NM 537 at night. It's an obstacle course! They start coming out around dusk, and then it's a free-for-all. I think 90% of the deer and elk in NM are on the Jicarilla reservation.
I have bow or rifle and can travel.
I've been doing my part in Lee County and Wayne County in south Georgia!!!
You done good, proud of both of you. Is that sausage I smell?
--mountain liions are a big help too--lets get them re-established in the northeastern states--
I have a 2 gallon pot of deer chili cooking on the stove as I write this note. Got a group of pals coming over tonight for chili, beer and apple pie. If my luck is good, maybe I'll pick up a few bucks at the gaming table. If not, there is always next week.
Look, I never, EVER bit your sister! (My nickname has been "Moose" since 3rd grade:-)
But did his sister bite you? ;^)
And wolf packs, too. Let's start with Central Park.
I can whip up a mean dessert while y'all are playing poker and I don't mind cigar smoke.
Sheesh. Some guys just don't get it. It's rude to mention SAUSAGE and not use the word "invite" in the same sentence!!
Just saw the "apple pie". You don't need me for dessert. Rats!
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