I feel the need to clarify a few things. There are still good sized deer here, a few 5x5's are harvested every year. Depending on what areas you hunt, you will run into some small deer, even for Sitka Blacktail as we have a large, very isolated population.
For hunting here, the only thing I would say is show some respect. I have seen far too many times, the entire front half of deer tossed away by off-island hunters. Literally found a stack of 20 in an old rock pit. And then there are the arrogant dummies who shoot anything they see, including babies because they are an "introduced species".
As for night hunting, it is not allowed here by native or non-native hunters. There is a misconception here that native hunters are allowed to hunt at night. A native group out east won a court battle because they were able to prove that they used to hunt using torches. Not the case here. If you are caught, vehicle, firearms, deer will be confiscated and you will get fined and get yourself a date with the judge. All of the same rules apply, except the limit and season, but any ethical hunter still only hunts within season.
I agree that there needs to be a more effective method of herd control here. Many people are against doe hunting, but it is necessary for the health and numbers of the deer. I gladly and openly hunt does, and catch flak over it because I'm not killing all of the big bucks
If you come hunting here, enjoy it! Enjoy the islands, enjoy your harvest. It's a beauty of a place!
And just to clarify, I too am a local native, avid hunter/gatherer.
