CATALINA ISLAND — Deer, like sea lions, are affectionately viewed as adorably cute mammals by a large contingency of humans. The human co-existence with deer, much like our relationship with the sea lion, can be tenuous at times. Such tensions between humans and deer appear to be unfolding on Catalina...
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10 Responses
Based on a count of about 2,300 deer, there are about 30 deer per square mile. A recent forest study put the optimal deer population at 15 to 28 deer per square mile, see https://www.deerfriendly.com/deer-density-and-forest-regeneration. How is this five times above what is sustainable?
I would suggest that its apples and oranges. Your referenced study was from the US Forestry Service, Northeastern region. The forests (and what they can sustain) in the North East are VERY different than the scrub and chaparral on Catalina. Your article also noted that historical averages were in the 8-20 range. Again, for forests.
The study refers to a very different ecosystem than that found on Catalina Island. The carrying capacity for deer in an arid environment could easily be five times less than a fully developed forest.
Revenue from hunter and the added conservation dollars the hunters would provide would be a win win for the island
Starvation and devastated eco system don’t seem like the way to go
Although hunting will be unpopular for some, it would be the best. For some letting animals starve to death is better than a quick kill. Over population also leads to sickness and destruction of property both personal and island habitat.
The DFW has the ability to control hunting by zones You could even only have guided hunts with the use of shotguns only, with slugs to reduce range. Im not sure have it was done but they got rid of the wild pigs when they became a problem.
I have hunted the deer on the Island twice as of several years ago. Initially, we hunted with biologists on the island which ran the program. It was very professional, and reasonably priced. Unfortunately, an outfitter was later hired to run the program, and he raised the cost to an absurd amount, so we stopped. Restarting the original program with the biologists as well as bow hunting would be an excellent option as well.
the pacmeyer gun grip company held selective hunts on the island for 50 years. Contact Randy Bombard who sold the island to the conservancy. Randy is operating a fishing charter in Costa Rica last I talked to him.
Use the Tejon Ranch as a management model. Offer all inclusive guided bow hunts. Hunts could be conducted on weekdays when the population of easily offended city folks is minimal. Work with DCFW biologists to set harvest goals. Make it a win-win for the deer and the island.
Lots of logical wellW founded info. But what will you do with the meat? Too many hungry people to waste it.
hat will be done with the meat?
Deer taste good, happy hunting!