Indigenous-Led Hunting Proves Key to Managing Deer Populations in B.C.

A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC) reveals that Indigenous-led hunting is the most effective strategy for managing the overabundance of black-tailed deer on the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Published in the journal People and Nature on November 21, 2025, the research highlights the urgent need to address ecological degradation caused by unchecked deer populations.

Over the past century, black-tailed deer populations in the region have surged to levels estimated to be up to ten times higher than historical numbers. This dramatic increase is attributed to human-altered landscapes, restrictions on hunting, and the elimination of natural predators. As a result, deer have overgrazed vegetation, leading to severe consequences for local ecosystems, including the endangered Garry Oak meadow, which faces the threat of irreversible collapse.

Dr. Tara Martin, a leading researcher from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, emphasizes the visual contrast between the islands’ perceived beauty and their ecological degradation. “For most people, these islands look beautiful and natural, but they are entirely degraded,” she states. “We’ve found hyperabundant deer are one of the major drivers of this change.”

Indigenous Knowledge as a Solution

The study underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in wildlife management. It identifies various strategies for deer management, including Indigenous-led hunting, improving predator viability, and increasing licensed hunting. Among these options, Indigenous-led hunting emerged as the most promising approach, significantly increasing the likelihood of enhancing both ecological and cultural benefits by nearly 60%.

Lead author and doctoral student Sofie McComb notes the complexity of developing effective deer management strategies that balance ecological health with the well-being of local communities. “This study offers a roadmap to help unpack complicated problems where many values and goals compete, often leading to decision paralysis and inaction,” she explains.

Research shows that while strategies like increased licensed hunting may be cost-effective from a Western perspective, they are less likely to yield long-term ecological benefits. In contrast, Indigenous-led hunting is projected to maximize project uptake and implementation goals by more than 50%.

Consequences of Inaction

Experts warn that maintaining the current status quo will not lead to improved ecosystem functions, and delaying action could have dire consequences. “If we don’t do something soon, the ecosystems will not be recoverable, because there will be nothing left,” McComb cautions. She adds that inaction is, in itself, a choice that exacerbates the suffering of both ecosystems and deer populations.

The study presents a comprehensive framework for communities globally facing similar challenges with hyperabundant herbivores. By valuing diverse knowledge systems and considering feasibility alongside ecological and cultural benefits, decision-makers can pursue effective, socially grounded recovery strategies.

“This work shows that restoring cultural sovereignty and ecosystem health can go hand in hand,” concludes Dr. Martin. The findings highlight the potential for collaborative approaches to address ecological crises while honoring Indigenous rights and knowledge.

For further reading, access the full study: Sofie McComb et al, “Decision analysis rooted in Indigenous and Western scientific knowledge identifies cost‐effective strategies for managing hyperabundant deer to restore keystone places,” published in People and Nature in 2025. DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70136.