Hunting mature males of a species is often promoted as a way to sustainably remove individuals and increase genetic diversity in a population. A single dominant male can monopolize breeding rights and actively prevent other males from contributing to the gene pool. However, removing dominant males can also negatively affect the social structure of many species.

Much of North America’s wildlife nearly disappeared by the turn of the twentieth century. The devastation caused by a long history of overhunting and resource exploitation was finally becoming apparent. In an effort to save what was left, conservationists pushed for the regulation of hunting, among other initiatives.

Elk were eradicated from most of their native ranges in North America. Their numbers only started to rebound, in part, to restrictions placed on which individuals could be hunted. Hunters were only allowed to target older males…