Why Love a Dog, but Shoot a Deer? PETA’s Sky-High Messages Target Hunters Across Fargo

For Immediate Release:
October 14, 2026

Contact:
Alex Payne 202-483-7382

Fargo, N.D. –

This fall, PETA is taking aim at hunters across Fargo with messages asking: Why love a dog but shoot a deer? In North Dakota, where the rate of hunting license holders is among the highest in the country, the striking messages remind everyone that deer and other wildlife feel pain and fear and value their lives just as the animals who share our homes do.

Why Love a Dog, but Shoot a Deer? PETA’s Sky-High Messages Target Hunters Across Fargo — *Credit: PETA*

PETA notes that North Dakota ranks fourth in the U.S. for paid hunting license holders per capita, with 19.3 license holders for every 100 residents. The state also issues more than 72 hunting licenses, tags, permits, and stamps for every 100 residents. Hunters kill an estimated 6 million deer and more than 200 million animals of all species nationwide each year—and animals who escape after being shot with bullets or arrows may endure prolonged suffering.

“A deer struck by a bullet or arrow feels the same terror and pain that a dog or cat would, yet millions are killed every year, destroying families and leaving vulnerable fawns behind to starve,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is calling on hunters to show deer the same kindness they show the animals they love at home and leave wildlife in peace.”

Mother deer are attentive and protective: Does hide their nearly scentless fawns to help shield them from predators and return during quiet periods to nurse and check on them. When danger approaches, a mother may deliberately stay away rather than draw attention to her hidden baby. Deer have even been observed caring for orphaned fawns.

PETA’s messages can be seen on billboards near the following intersections in Fargo:

Oak Manor Avenue South and 21st Avenue South
13th Avenue Southwest and 36th Street South
32nd Avenue South and 25th Street South

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat or abuse in any other way”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and fear, a deer is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.