It is Thanksgiving and another deer season is upon us. Many around here will likely spend some time at deer camp that day. In reflecting back, though I have no historical proof of it, I have always thought that the pilgrims likely ate venison along with turkey on that first Thanksgiving Day.

Looking forward to deer season, I guess, is part of my DNA. I was once Chairman of the Subcommittee on Fish and Wildlife in the State Assembly. Every year we would have discussions with the DEC Division of Fish and Wildlife about setting the fish and wildlife seasons in New York, including the big game season.

In full disclosure, you should also know that I have a Lifetime Sportsman License (which I purchased some years ago) to hunt and fish in the State of New York. I used to be at deer camp every year on opening day. Mobility issues and age have changed that, but I still have great memories of those days.

Though many may not realize it, we need a deer season. The size of the deer heard needs to be balanced with the resources available to support its population. This is why there are various deer management units around the state. The New York State DEC issues additional permits to take antlerless deer (also called doe permits) depending on the size of the deer herd in those areas.

Urban dwellers are now feeling the effects of what happens when there are too many deer. Just ask residents of Jamestown or Lakewood. Deer are not dumb. They go where the eating is good and where they will not be bothered by hunters.

If we lived in a nonhuman environment, mother nature would maintain a balance in the deer population–predators like wolves and coyotes combined with disease and the weather would naturally contain and limit the size of the deer herd.`

Since we don’t live in such a pristine environment anymore, it is up to we humans to help balance the deer population–that is why we have a deer season and regulations governing the harvesting of deer.

Even if you don’t like guns, you will have to admit that it better that deer be taken and used for food rather than seeing them hit by a car and laying alongside the road.

Deer hunters are a special breed. They understand all of this and are some of the most protective conservationists I have ever met. To them, the woods and the deer are sacrosanct.

Often, I will ask them: “Did you get a deer yet?” And, the answer will be: “Well, I saw a couple, but I am waiting for the big one.” What they are really saying is that they love being in the woods and are taking their time because they want to stay there as long as they can.

I can remember the days when the deer population around here was very low. I also remember when there were no turkey to be found, but the pheasant hunting was good. Times and the wildlife environment have changed. Now, there too many deer, and turkey, not pheasants, abound.

It is our common obligation to keep the wildlife populations in balance. To my ears, gunshots in the woods this time of year mean not only that Thanksgiving is here and deer season has started, but, also, that winter is right around the corner.

Having a hunting season for deer is a good thing. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.