Point Pelee deer cull sees Caldwell First Nation hunters team up with Parks Canada

Ian Duckworth has been participating in the deer cull in Point Pelee National Park — part of Caldwell First Nation's  traditional territory — since 2015.

While the cull takes place for environmental reasons, Duckworth, a Caldwell First Nation councillor, says it has another benefit.

"I go out and every deer I harvest goes to a community [member]," he said.

Members of Caldwell First Nation and Parks Canada staff conduct the hunt together as part of regular efforts to control the deer population.

"It is estimated that the current deer herd population is two to three times higher than what the ecosystem can support," Parks Canada said in a press release.

There are very rare plant species in the park, Duckworth said, and the deer are eating those species over the winter.

Before the deer meat is distributed in the community, the animals are examined and samples are taken to assess their health.

The park will be closed from Jan. 19 through Jan. 26 while the cull is taking place.

LISTEN: Ian Duckworth joins Afternoon Drive 

In recent years, deer population reduction has been taking place annually, but it was decided that it would happen in two parts to improve chances of success, with the first hunt happening in November.

The cull begins after the blessing of an elder, and each hunter lays tobacco when a deer is harvested as a symbol of gratitude, Duckworth explains.

"It ties everything together when you do that. It honours that animal," he said.