I have been reading this thread as new comments are added and find the whole subject interesting. We have seen a difference in deer presence on our property from last year to this year, there does appear to be a lack of them this year. There are multiple factors contributing to this, no comment is neither right nor wrong as all contributors to the thread have their own opinions to why deer seem to be less abundant this year. Equally, everyone has the right to eat meat bought from Costco or anywhere else for that matter just as hunters have the right to harvest wild meat to feed their family if they prefer.
Those who take more than they need or those who take deer that they do not hold a tag for or take a deer and not hold a tag at all are not only cheating other fair hunting hunters but also themselves for future years to come.
My husband and I can take two deer each a year if we really wanted to, but we only need the one as we raise other livestock and hunt smaller game. We also prefer as a self reliant hunter/gatherer family to eat meat that has run free, free from added extras and those wild animals we hunt out wit us most of the time. That is the way it should be, spend time in the beautiful outdoors and if we are lucky take home wild food to nourish us.
So far it it looks like we may be eating tag soup, and although deer meat is met with keen eyes on the dinner table it also means that there is one more deer out there to carry on the next generation.
Just a small comment as hunters we have no right to hunt meat to feed our families, just like we have no right to own firearms in canada. Both IMO are privileges here
First nations have the right to hunt meat
Cheers
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