RSB, I dont believe we are "grading on a curve" at all, due to anything. The herd is either healthy or its not. I dont think the parameters were stretched to accomadate better ratings...When seeing what other states consider acceptable, Id say we are in the range that encompasses most middle ground on average.. Not as high as the ag. richest areas and not as low as the poorer areas due to habitat or them having actually carried too many deer.

I also dont believe for a half a second that we are or should be managing the herd based on a harsh winter. There is absolutely no reason to think we should or would have "good" ratings on reproduction after a harsh winter of long lasting snowcover andbelow normaltemperatures...For the rating to drop then the following year would only be EXPECTED.

Buckhunter1, yes I got one tag back so far.