ORIGINAL: NYSHunter
It would take some years to make the herd ratio more balanced. A mandated restriction of bucks would need to be implementedso the buckpopulation can increase. This does work. So many ranches in the miwest and texas do this and as a result have high deer populations, balanced herds and many mature bucks as a result. They all cant be wrong.
That's the difference. I'm not going to engage in this conversation anymore than the one point here for obvious reasons. But there is a difference between private land management and public/state mandate.
Also, the goal of NYS is not to grow trophy bucks like the private ranches are, with high deer population numbers. It is more concerned with biological controls, and a comfortable carrying capacity, with a competent number of bucks ranging through the age classes. Having a 1:1 with mature bucks jumping out every woodlot simply is not their goal.
The balance you speak of theoretical. 1:1/1:2 is this number created by hunters/managers. What evidence is there that proves this ratio has been or would be realized in a natural state ever in recorded history, or future?
Remember the DEC is concerned with management, not balance alone. They want a herd categorized as healthy on a whole. Balance is micro-management in their terms (which they do best by their DMP's). A herd can still be "healthy on a whole"with a ratio beyond 1:2 in biological context. It has been for years, with the up's and down's associated with any given species.
As long as the ratio does not get to alarming levels (I believe at one or two points in the 20th century it did, but that was not from hunting pressure if I remember correctly), carrying capacity will remain the main focus, and ratio a secondary consideration. Putting ratio ahead of carrying capacity is simply not good science when the numbers suggest the ratio is generally healthy on a state level.
Good points on both sides.
*FYI. I think the recent season had a harvest ratio of 1:3. That is directly comparable to the "great" years of 1999-2003. That alone implies the herd has remained in balance over the time, and hasn't changed dynamics much, even through the crap years (04/05). Rather, it is simply smaller due to enviornmental conditions (from yotes to winters to food to disease), and hunting. However, the hunting harvest numbers haven't changed hardly at all ratio-wise.
With that said, I'll look for your response, and read it in serious consideration. Although I wouldn't expect a response, as I'm saving my gunpowder for April/May/June when all of us hunters are going to be at each other's throats when this issue rears its ugly head in earnest.