Hawaii Axis Issue Offers Unique Hunting Opportunity

Anyone battling the decision of whether to take that vacation to Hawaii OR that Axis deer dream hunt??  Worry no longer, you can now do both!  The Axis population in Maui is booming and it sounds as though they could use your help.

According to a recent article in the Maui News,  Axis deer populations on Hawaii’s largest island have been growing to the point of concern.  The deer are taking refuge in suburban areas such as parks, watersheds, and golf courses, where hunting is strictly prohibited.  The combination of a lack of hunting pressure and a species that can be prolific in suitable habitats, one can foresee a major problem brewing.  [Read Full Post]

To make matters worse, many local farmers and private landowners are being advised by insurance companies not to allow hunters onto their land.

Overpopulation is a serious problem and can be taxing on the local economy.  Property damage, crop loss and motor-vehicle collisions all begin to rise as deer numbers continue to increase.  Herds in confined space and over carrying capacity most often lead to poor herd health (leading to starvation) due to a lack of resources to sustain climbing deer numbers.   Nature has always had a system of “checks and balances” whether we do or not.  However, the state is still looking for effective ways to promote hunting on the island to help control numbers.

…Hawai’i has made efforts to increase the number of hunters to deal with exploding deer populations, such as offering popular hunter education classes, no bag limits, a year-round hunting season and cheap licenses.

– Maui News

Feral pigs and goats are causing similar issues as Axis deer, with numbers growing faster than can be curtailed.  All 3 species of game animal offer an unique hunting opportunity in a most serene of settings.  Look into booking your hunt in paradise today.

One outfitter that offers free-ranging hunting packages on the island for all 3 animals — Hawaiin Feral Goats, Polynesian Wild Boar, and Axis deer is Maui Hunting Safaris.  Visit their website and “Experience the Adventure…” – Maui Hunting Safaris.com

To read “Maui battles rise in axis deer count” by Chris Hamilton of the Maui News follow this link

Also check out Jim Zumbo’s article “Hunting in Hawaii: Chasing elusive Axis deer with muzzleloaders“ from OutdoorLife.com

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