In 1961, Hawaii introduced black-tailed deer to Kauai for sport hunting; a later survey found them across about half of sampled locations

In 1961, Columbian black-tailed deer were introduced to Kauai primarily for sport hunting. Over the years, these non-native deer have proliferated significantly on the island’s western region. Their growing population poses challenges to local wildlife and conservation initiatives. Additionally, economic assessments highlight considerable yearly losses for livestock farmers due to the deer. To address these issues, Hawaii conducts annual controlled hunts, blending wildlife management with cultural traditions.