Jake Paul has defended his killing of a deer during a hunt on his ranch.

The social media star, who has forged a career in boxing, posted a series of photos and videos to his Instagram page showing him with a dead deer, crocodile and duck. His post was met with a backlash, forcing him to post an explanation.

"I see some people upset about the deer I hunted, so let's talk facts," he wrote. "Deer hunting isn't cruelty — it's conservation and responsibility. In the United States, deer populations have exploded to over 30 million because natural predators like wolves and mountain lions were largely eliminated. Wildlife agencies rely on regulated hunting to keep populations balanced and ecosystems healthy.

"Without it, deer overpopulate, destroy forests through overgrazing, spread disease, and cause around 1-2 million car accidents every year, killing about 200 people annually.When I hunt, the meat is used and donated to people and shelters who need food. Venison is one of the cleanest, most natural sources of protein there is. Nothing is wasted.

"What many people don't realise is that hunters fund conservation. Through licenses and taxes on hunting equipment, billions of dollars go directly to wildlife protection and habitat restoration that benefits all animals. Also consider this: the chicken, beef, and pork most people eat every day usually comes from large industrial farms where animals live confined lives before being processed in massive facilities.

"A wild deer lives free its entire life. A properly placed shot is one of the quickest and most humane deaths an animal can have in nature —far quicker than dying slowly from starvation, disease, or predators. Humans have hunted for thousands of years. What's changed isn't hunting — it's that modern society has become disconnected from where food actually comes from.

FOLLOW OUR FIGHTING FB PAGE! Latest boxing and MMA news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

• Dana White issues instant response to Eddie Hearn signing Tom Aspinall

• Conor McGregor confirms date for comeback ahead of UFC White House announcement

"If you eat meat but criticise ethical hunting, it might be worth thinking about that. This isn't about cruelty. It's about respecting nature, providing food, and participating honestly in the cycle of life."

Earlier, Paul had revealed when his love of hunting had started. "Fifteen years ago my dad took me hunting for the first time and I dropped an Ohio 6 point buck at just eight years old," he said. "Ever since then I loved hunting, nature, and outdoors. This is the main reason I got Paul Reserve today. It was a super successful hunting season with doves, ducks, alligator, and deer."