Many game species are prey species and evolved to cope with significant mortality by natural predators. In the absence of predation or hunting, these game populations will be limited by resource depletion or disease. Both situations may fall within the overabundance definition. We review drivers of game species overabundance, considering if recreational hunting can effectively manage this challenge. We show examples of overabundance management in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), deer (red deer Cervus elaphus and white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) or its relative, the feral pig. We also consider available alternatives for managing overabundant wildlife such as habitat management, predator restoration, pathogen introductions, professional culling, immunocontraception, and poisoning. Most alternatives can be included in integrated wildlife management strategies but are unsuitable alone for large-scale overabundance control. We conclude that, when available, it is advisable to use recreational hunting as one tool in the box. Recreational hunting will perform best as a means of population control within integrated wildlife management strategies, combining hunting with habitat management. To maintain the contribution of recreational hunting for managing overabundance, hunters need to survey demographics of game populations to adequately plan harvest quotas. They should continue developing their commitment with biodiversity conservation, monitoring programs, and animal/public health. Agencies could set acceptable targets and facilitate hunting, educating the public about recreational hunting as socio-ecological service. Hunting and conservation should go hand in hand, with special caution regarding native endangered species that locally become pests needing sustainable management including adaptive hunting.

许多猎物物种是猎物物种，它们经过进化以应对天敌的大量死亡。在没有捕食或狩猎的情况下，这些游戏种群将受到资源枯竭或疾病的限制。这两种情况都可能属于过剩的定义。我们回顾了游戏物种过剩的驱动因素，考虑休闲狩猎是否可以有效应对这一挑战。我们展示了欧洲兔（Oryctolagus cuniculus）、鹿（红鹿Cervus elaphus和白尾鹿Odocoileus virginianus）和野猪（Sus scrofa) 或其亲属，野猪。我们还考虑了管理过多野生动物的可用替代方案，例如栖息地管理、捕食者恢复、病原体引入、专业扑杀、免疫避孕和中毒。大多数替代方案可以包含在综合野生动物管理战略中，但不适合单独用于大规模的过度控制。我们得出的结论是，如果可以的话，建议使用休闲狩猎作为工具箱中的一种工具。作为综合野生动物管理战略中的一种种群控制手段，休闲狩猎将表现最佳，将狩猎与栖息地管理相结合。为了保持休闲狩猎对管理过剩的贡献，猎人需要调查狩猎种群的人口统计数据，以充分规划收获配额。他们应继续在生物多样性保护、监测计划和动物/公共卫生方面做出承诺。机构可以设定可接受的目标并促进狩猎，教育公众将休闲狩猎作为社会生态服务。狩猎和保护应该齐头并进，特别注意本地濒临灭绝的物种，这些物种在当地成为需要可持续管理的害虫，包括适应性狩猎。