Deer and other game became scarce for a while when human predators almost killed them off in the area, so a reserve was created where hunting was banned.
After four years, the deer population had increased along with other game. The mountain lion population increased along with that of its food source, but that is the circle of life.
From the Arizona Daily Star, Friday, May 12, 1922:
MOUNTAIN LIONS INCREASING IN ARIZONA; DEER MORE PLENTIFUL
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Forest Rangers Report Additions to Herds
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Results of four years of closed season on all game in the Catalina game reserve are becoming apparent this spring, according to Claude W. McKensie, deputy supervisor of the Coronado forest, who returned yesterday from a four-day trip to the Catalina district.
Deer in these mountains are more plentiful this season than in any other season for many years, Mr. McKensie states, while other game is increasing in almost the same proportion.
On his recent trip Mr. McKensie saw five deer in one group within a quarter of a mile of the Soldiers camp station, besides a number of smaller groups. Single deer were to be seen everywhere in the district, Mr. McKensie states. Ranger Frieborn of the Catalinas district reported seeing 10 deer in one herd a few days ago.
Although the deer are increasing rapidly, the number of fawns this year is not large, it is stated, pointing to increase in mountain lions corresponding with the increase in other game. All game in this district is protected, so that the luins naturally increase in the same proportion as the other game.
The advantage of the game reserve is strikingly illustrated, forest officials state, by the increase of game in this district, since sportsmen had almost exhausted the game here before the reserve was closed four years ago. Since the reserve was closed, however, the district has become a breeding place from which the game naturally migrates to other open territory.
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So game was available for hunters outside the reserve and for mountain lions wherever they chose to hunt. One might pity the hunted, but one must also remember that in 1922, many still hunted for food and not just sport.
