Outdoor Life Online recently ran a photo series called “Kill These Critters“. In the piece, they discuss the role of hunters in controlling the populations of 15 different animals. These include the coyote, at #1 all the way to the sandhill crane at #15.
Here at the Hog Blog, I was surprised to see our favorite invasive non-native species listed right in the middle. I’d have certainly thought the feral hog would show up at or near the top of the list. With the reputation for habitat destruction and their rapid spread across the country (often aided by illicit hunting interests), wild hogs are prime targets for everyone from farmers to environmentalists.
Also on the list were the red lionfish, which I wrote a little about earlier this month, and the axis deer, which has become another of my favorites (and the best venison you will ever eat). The lionfish are exploding over the reefs and wrecks in the Caribbean and Atlantic.
Meanwhile, the axis deer have spread across much of Hawaii (especially Maui), with populations estimated to be around 20,000. They’re considered a threat to the native ecosystem, and hunting them is generally encouraged. They’re also spreading fast across the Texas Hill Country. It’s not at all unusual to see herds of the spotted critters feeding in yards and along the roads down there, and roadkills are a common occurrence.
Anyway, check out the piece on Outdoor Life’s site, and let me know what you think about the list.
Never had axis deer, but sounds great! Might have to get out there and try to kill one soon.
That’s an interesting list. It seems a bit odd the way it’s pointed though. ‘Kill These Critters’ is a good title, but the list doesn’t strike me as a “I must go kill one of these animals” or else as the title implies. Maybe it’s just me not drinking enough coffee today.