I'll use state forest lands because this is where the flirs and studies occured.In most areas of the NC deer hunter numbers are dropping each year.I think most are now staying south because there's deer down yonder too.Not bear though in alot of cases {doug}
As a sign of the times I do not see the hunter numbers increasing in the NC so the question comes up how will they control the deer populations?I honestly don't think there's enough hunters in some areas to do that.Maybe predators will keep those numbers down?Some disagree with that.Possibly the habitat or both?If the lack of food keeps the deer populations down that would mean the habitat wasn't improving and little or no regen of the forest was taking place.
With all the state forest land sharp shooters would be a very expensive method.Personally I see birth control as an option to control deer populations in urban and state forest land situations.I hope I'm wrong.

Ain't gonna happen.

They're always working on it.Still trying to make it less expensive.

The point I'm trying to make is that in the near future in the NC I don't think there's going to be enough hunters to keep the numbers where they would like them which today is anywhere between 5-15 dpsm.I'm wondering what they will do to achieve those goals.

Things like this always seem to balance out. More deer around will attract more hunters. I dont think there's any danger that there will be too few hunters anywhere any time soon.

I can't believe there aren't enough hunters willing to harvest deer. Is it not more that less and less landowners are willing to let people on the property to hunt? Those with permission now have amazing hunting likely and don't want to mess that up I would guess. I'm sure if the access was there hunters would line up to take the deer.

It's getting harder to get access to private land but on the public land there's not many hunters the last year or so.
you may be right BT about things balancing out but I think gas prices are a factor too.

Well, I think if the situation gets to that point, the word will spread quickly and once again the hunters will return. I don't feel the need for sterilization programs in areas that hunters are allowed to operate in. Were not most or all of the DMAP licenses sold? Increases along that line could help if the situation gets serious but right now, I, for one, have some doubts..........

I hope it never comes down to alternative control other then hunting on public land.I know there's areas they want the DPSM lowered but aren't getting that done.If the trend continues of a decrease of hunters in the NC I wonder how they will solve that?

Same as always.

1. Extended seasons-special seasons in restricted areas
2. More tags-Especially antlerless.

If any of you guys know a place with too many deer and no hunters, drop me a PM I'll come help...

I doubt this will ever be a problem in areas open to hunting