The Bucks Stop Here 10/05/2024

[Mousetoescamper]

Taken near Roanoke, VA.

First three are of the same 8-point buck






Two-point yearling

[Deuxcents]

1. Beautiful animals. I don't see the "sport" in killing them

And I’ve heard it all..it’s for food, it’s because they’ll starve, they’re diseased and on n on. I just wonder how they’ve survived all these centuries without our intervention.

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Agree 100% Deuxcents.

[ShazzieB]

8. Not a fan of hunting, but the deer overpopulation issue is a real thing.

In the past, there were large predators that kept the deer population to a certain level, but humans got fid of them. Without predators to keep them in check, deer populations can grow to an unsustainable level where the local food sources can't support them all.

I'm not the least bit interested in hunting any kind of animals myself, but I have no problem with others doing it, as long as they're responsible, obey the fish and game laws, don't kill animals that are endangered, etc.

The way I look at it, unless I'm willing to became a vegetarian (which is absolutely not an option for me for various reasons), it wouldn't be right for me to criticize hunters. I feel like the only difference between them and me is that they kill the animals themselves, and I eat animals someone else has killed for me.

I have a ton of respect for vegetarians and vegans, but that lifestyle is just not for me. That being the case, I'm not going to drag anyone who wants to shoot a few deer and fill up their freezers with venison.

That's just my personal opinion, and I don't necessarily expect anyone to agree with me.

[brer cat]

3. Nice shots, Mousetoes.

[Mousetoescamper]

4. Thanks!

[3Hotdogs]

5. How did they survive all these centuries? First of all, there was habitat to support them. Now, habitat is destroyed to

build houses, shopping centers and strip malls, warehouses and whatever.

THEN --

as the destruction of natural habitat takes place, hunters cannot shoot within (#) feet, depending on the state's regulations. As a result, their population increases and the only control is coyotes and your car on the highway.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. How wonderful, not to mention lucky, to get so close!

I think that they are pretty used to being around humans.

Magnificent photos, my dear Mousetoescamper!

[Mousetoescamper]

7. Thanks! The older buck was remarkably tame, but the yearling was wary and soon dashed into the woods.

[ShazzieB]

9. Very nice!

I love wildlife photos, and these are great. Thank for sharing them!

[Mousetoescamper]

10. Thanks!