Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that threaten the health of ecosystems. Because science has made little headway when it comes to stopping the spread of invasives, an increasing number of ecologists and foodies are encouraging people to try a new tactic: eat them.
Since large deer populations are well known to wreak havoc on forest ecosystems, I’d always assumed that eating venison was good for the environment. But if deer hunting can sometimes increase deer numbers, can wild venison be considered a sustainable meat?
Since I can rarely afford non-industrial meat, I eat mostly vegetarian. But in December, I moved back to Missouri to live with my boyfriend, who is definitely a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. Luckily for me, my boyfriend shot three deer this past fall, so we’ve both been happy eaters. Deer numbers are at historic highs …
