The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

We have a predator problem.

And hunters are noting that it gets worse with each passing year.

In the state Department of Fish and Wildife’s District No. 1 – the northeast corner of the state comprising GMUs 101, 105, 108, 111, 113, 117 and 121— cougars and wolves kill almost 20,000 deer a year. Hunters last year killed an additional 3,600, bringing the annual reduction in deer numbers to over 23,000. That does not include additional loss by bear, coyote, bobcat, automobile or other mortalities.

Fish and Wildlife officials estimate the year started with 30,000 whitetail deer, includ...