While I have not hunted, my understanding is that a permit is required and the amount of permits they issue is based upon the data available of the number of that particular animal. This is to keep the population in check. If no one hunted, the population of a given animal would increase to unsustainable numbers and that would translate to animals starving to death. I have also heard that hunters are expected to hunt animals of a certain age and size to help ensure that the most expendable animals are targeted.
Also, when I lived in the midwest for 7 years, there were instances of people dying due to trying to swerve away from hitting a deer, so the impact of heard numbers can translate to public health issues.
From my perspective, hunting is as natural and necessary for the continuation of our species as sex. Hunting and gathering predates farming by mucho years.
Some families rely HEAVILY on bagging a deer for feeding their families for the year. I live 500 feet from a grocery store, but if folks are in a rural place it is very much a necessity.
I understand why people elect not to consume meat or use products with animal derived ingredients. plant based approaches to sustenance are pretty cool.