Is deer culling (also called deer “reduction” or “managed hunts”) like regular hunting?
A deer “cull” is not like regular hunting. It typically involves baiting deer on open space and/or private land for a mass slaughter that takes place over a short period of time using both arrows and guns. The cull is then repeated each year. If bowhunting, the hunter lures the deer through bait, often weeks beforehand to ensure the deer show up when the hunters are ready to shoot them. When the deer come to feed, they are then shot by sharpshooters waiting for them in a tree stand. If the “net and bolt” method is used, the deer are lured through corn meal to the desired location. They are then caught in a net and restrained by several hunters as most will struggle to break free. A hunter then places a captive-bolt gun against their heads, and fires a retractable steel rod into their brains. A deer who moves as the bolt is fired can be crippled, not killed, and endure excruciating pain until additional shots are fired.
