This editorial is an ode of appreciation to deer hunters.

First, we tip our orange cap to Wes O'Brien of Lexington, Texas, who earlier this month shot a 38-point whitetail in Richardson County that could set the Nebraska record for a trophy rack of antlers once it is officially scored.

Congratulations to O'Brien.

But the purpose of this editorial is not to add to the admiration already showering the 24-year-old.

We come instead to offer praise to all the thousands of unsung, ethical hunters who may never see their names in the record books. We come especially to extol the virtues of those worthy souls who shoot does - female deer with no antlers at all.

The point is that our corner of the state needs hunters to thin the ranks of the deer, which have become so plentiful that they threaten the safety of motorists and damage crops.

There are about 375,000 deer in the state - or at least there were until deer season began on Nov. 14. By the time the season ends today, officials say that the number may have dropped by about 55,000.

State Farm Insurance earlier this year estimated nearly 12,300 motorists hit a deer between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. The figure was disputed by state officials, who said that only 3,065 deer collisions were reported. However, there is no requirement for motorists to file reports if damage is under $1,000.

No matter whose figures are used, deer collisions are a worry, especially in Lancaster County, which usually ranks at the top in the number of deer collisions in the state.

Not all motorists survive collisions with deer. In June, a 44-year-old man was riding a three-wheel motorcycle on a county road near Ohiowa when he struck a deer. His vehicle left the road and flipped. The man was killed.

Earlier this month, two motorists from Alaska were killed in a chain reaction crash that began when the first vehicle in the three-car pileup struck a deer.

The most effective way to reduce the deer population, biologists say, is to lower the number of female deer.

Unfortunately, some hunters seek only mature bucks with a good set of antlers. Some even let the season end without shooting a deer, rather than shoot a doe.

We encourage hunters who have not yet filled their permits to shoot a doe. Extra venison can be shared in the Deer Exchange program operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

On this last day of rifle deer hunting season we hope that you spot that whitetail within range. And shoot straight.