Column: Hunting is important part of managing deer herd

SUN JOURNAL • April 13, 2026

The resident bobcat and coyotes are not putting a dent in the deer population, and there is no sign of winter kills. At the current rate, the deer will push the limits of social carrying capacity very soon. The best thing I can do for them is plan to hunt them this fall and fill my freezer while keeping the overall population managed. ~ Erin Merrill