quote how do you explain the success guys like me, Livbicks, DougE to name a few seem to still be having on public ground smack dab in the "deer desert" areas of this state? I don't think we're all superhunters nor do I think all of the guys complaining about seeing no deer are bad hunters. quote

My two sons and me all got buck this year BT.One in archery and two in rifle.But this is on and around private land bordering public land to the north with 90% open to hunting.I'm not complaining about the deer we see although those numbers are low,I'm questioning whether or not forest certification is the right thing to do on state land set aside for open space and recreation.I want it to be known I do agree the past populations needed thinned and personally I think the 20-25 dpsm range makes for good hunting.Doug likes to use an area called rockton mtn as an example of poor habitat and no doubt it is wide open.But on the other hand that one side of the road is surrounded by roads and very easy access.You used to see 100 deer along a short span of highway there and since HR you'll maybe see a few eyes.Doug will say the poor habitat is the reason the numbers dropped so drastically yet those populations dropped after HR.This is the point I'm trying to get across.I also no with a closed canopy we're not going to see squat for regen.I used this experiment at camp and it turned out to be true.I'll post the pics for you if they're still in photobucket.
I also know of an area with good oak regen in an opening compared to 50 yards away in the shade.
I'm kinda on two subjects here.I just can't trust reasons behind forest certification when a animal rights group like greenpeace is involved.I'm also leary of left wing liberals like Rendell and debernliberal.
I do respect Doug because I know where he hunts and 99% of that area has very low deer numbers with a good bit below 10 dpsm.I think we all agree that number is unhuntable to keep the average guy interested and especially the older fellows who can't get back in alittle.There lies the complaints.Man if those numbers would be at 20 to say 30 dpsm I think you'd see alot of happy campers.But can the habitat hold those numbers?I don't know,I'm still undecided and still don't think it matters without sunlight.My problem lies with the DCNR and liberals running it.
Our group is a bunch of hard hunters and we have been killing plenty of bucks but I don't think you can guage that on the average fellow hunting state land because he's older,in most cases lives out of the area,and can't get back into those more remote rugged places where the big boys hide from pressure.Man all this typing makes a fellow's finger numb.I hope I explained my position clearly.