Doug,there's a reservoir near us surrounded by water company land and state forest.In the beginning of HR this area was estimated at 38 DPSM.Obviously these numbers have been reduced.The forest here always had poor regen in a mixture of hemlocks,softwoods,and hardwoods.There are some old stripped mine land on the edge.However where the forest opens up at the reservoir there is incredible white oak regen.The trees are so thick it's ashame they can't be thinned out.Just 25 yards in under the thick canopy and there's barely any regen.Hopefully I can get back there this year for some pics.If you want to take a hike some time PM me for directions.
I'm not one of the people that want a deer behind every tree.Personally I think the hunting got fun when the numbers approached 20 DPSM.
As for the people in 2G complaining some of the problems come from Alt and his promises and a lack of communication.The goals started out at 15 DPSM but when places like Tioga state forest hit 8 and still Dmaps were being handed out it got to some folks.I wouldn't waste my time hunting where the numbers are that low and I doubt most others would either.
I'm seeing regen but it's mostly beech,cherry,and maple.There's plenty of food in our area which is a mixture of woodlots,farms,and strippings yet the herd was drastically reduced.I witnessed the overharvesting from the hunters themselves.So I agree with a previous poster who said hunters are the ones to make that decision.
I don't doubt your local forester is responsible and cares about deer hunting.It's Rendell and the left wing liberals he appointed that I don't trust.
Denny,I agree the topic in Potter county wasn't about deer hunting and the speaker had a right to be frustrated.But the quote was "deer hunting is no longer a recreation"That wasn't taken out of context it was the true hope/and or feeling of the liberals running the DCNR.And it's a dangerous situation if they ever take over the PGC.Look no farther then NJ and their bear hunting fiasco.Looks doubtful that hunt will take place next year because the main proponent for that hunt got fired.To trust the DCNR is a mistake.