ASHORO, Hokkaido -- While travelers in Hokkaido often enjoy spotting herds of deer, the recent explosion in the animal's population poses a serious threat to local farmers.
Residents of Ashoro, whose crops have been damaged by the animal, recently came up with a promising solution to their headache: Before the deer eat their crops, the locals should eat the deer.
Deer ("ezo shika," or cervus nippon yesoensis) meat has gained a reputation among local residents and hunters. Low in fat and high in protein, venison is much healthier than beef, chicken or pork, according to experts. But not many people have been able to enjoy the taste, because commercial distribution of deer meat was not allowed until recently.