A Sitka black-tailed deer. (Courtesy Photo | Kerry Howard)

A Sitka black-tailed deer. (Courtesy Photo | Kerry Howard)

Opinion: Open your eyes to the deer on Douglas

In a letter to the editor on Dec. 22 Gary Miller states that he can’t see deer on Douglas Island. Yet I see deer tracks every time I hike on Douglas. So deer can’t be so very rare over there. If he fails to see the animals that make these tracks, it may mean the deer are better at hiding than he is at seeing them.

[Prince of Wales wolf hunt numbers set]

He also attributes the seeming scarcity of deer to predation by wolves. But I have seen six or more deer hunters above Eaglecrest Ski Area on Douglas in a single day — and that doesn’t even count the number of trucks parked alongside the road, whose drivers were off in the forest. The depredation of human hunters probably has a bigger impact on the deer population than the few wolves that try to make a living there.

It is unreasonable to blindly blame wolves for a perceived scarcity of deer.

Mary F. Willson,

Juneau


• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.


More in Home

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A pink peony blooms in Chris Urata’s garden on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Master Gardeners Tour showcases excellence in landscaping

Annual fundraising event features gardens on 11 properties

Shannon Crossley, who helped build the Treadwell disc golf course, wears the Douglas grand marshal’s sash as she rides in the parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
History of Douglas continues through Independence Day celebrations

Juneau Disc Golf Club honored as Douglas Fourth of July grand marshal

Juneau Ati-Atihan marches towards downtown Juneau in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade. The group was named best of parade. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
Independence Day parade soars through downtown

Candy took flight at this year’s downtown Juneau parade, ‘Juneau’s Winged Heroes’

Seven- and 8-year-olds compete in the watermelon-eating contest at Savviko Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas picnic marks the beginning of 4th of July celebrations

Community members enjoy barbecue, watermelon eating contest

People watch the fireworks after midnight on Friday, July 4<ins>, </ins><ins>2025</ins>. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Juneau blasts into Independence Day with annual firework display

A century old tradition, decades of expertise and a year of preparation culminates in a treasured show

Marites “Tess” Buenafe. (Screenshot)
One of the two 60-passenger cars on the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway descends Mount Roberts. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Missing cruise ship passenger found dead on Mount Roberts

This story has been updated. Kentucky resident, Marites “Tess” Buenafe, 62, was… Continue reading

Faith Rogers’ loved ones, from left to right, James Rogers (father), Michelle Rogers (sister), Harmony Wentz (daughter), Maria Rogers (mother) and Mindy Voigt (friend) sit with Faith’s three dogs in their family home. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau court orders release of man accused of Faith Rogers’ murder

JPD stands by its investigation; public defender says it cut corners

Rachel Hightower holds her 2-year-old daughter Carmen’s decorated tricycle at the Bicycle Decorating & Sidewalk Chalk Decorating event in the Douglas Community Library parking garage on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas kids gear up for 4th of July festivities

Riders decorate bikes, scooters for upcoming parade

Most Read