Both the deer and elk on the island are descendents of Kaibab animals, transplanted in the 40's.
They have done well, to say the least. Predators, disease, adverse climate conditions and road kill, are non existant issues.
There have been some SERIOUS animals taken off the island and there are still some HUGH trophy critters left there. I have been on the island 2 times...(field trips).
I have a friend who hunted it last year and the deer cost him $11k....the management let him take a spike elk as a bonus, due to the fact that they were all going to be gone after this year.
Some hunters have reported seeing 15 or more 30" deer, in one day.
I don't have all the facts, but it is my understanding that what is left will simply be slaughtered in January and the island will be cleared of ANYTHING alive that was/is not "pre-European"....that's the nature faker term for restoration of our wildlands.
Seems there is a little bush, about 4" high that all the ungulates feed on or trample.....
The cost to kill all the animals on the island is very high, helicopters, herders, government paid shooters, etc.
The alternative methods costs could be very low, by comparison, but youth hunts, disabled Vet hunts, auction tags and relocation alternatives have all been rejected by your, ever so "friendly and frugal" government.
It is simply disgusting.