On November 9, 2022, the Instagram account stevenmcbee attracted a lot of attention from the online community when posting a photo of three men enjoying the moment of winning a whitetail deer hunt on the family farm’s management area. In the photo, the group stands next to a mature deer with large antlers — the result of many years of monitoring the growth of the deer herd on the farm.
According to Steven McBee, managing the deer population on the farm requires significant effort and time. From protecting the habitat, controlling ecology, to monitoring the growth of each individual, all are part of the sustainable management process. He wrote:
“A lot of work goes into managing the deer herd — but it’s all worth it when we can enjoy moments like this, reminiscing with friends over the years watching the deer grow up and call the farm home.”
The post quickly gained traction. Many advocates for sustainable wildlife management, seeing it as a way to maintain ecological balance and preserve animal populations. Some expressed admiration for the scale and professionalism of the operation.
However, the post also drew mixed responses from the animal-loving community — something that is often seen in discussions about hunting. Some argued that it was unacceptable to celebrate next to a hunted animal, while supporters emphasized the conservation and scientific management aspects.
Despite differing views, the moment shared by Steven McBee reflects the pride he and his friends feel in managing the farm and their attachment to their homeland.
