ORIGINAL: Cornelius08

"But, you simply can’t even compare deer populations between any two areas without also comparing their soil types, forest types, percentage of farmlands, winter conditions, historic deer harvests and both past and present deer management practices."

I understand the differences rsb....But look at those DEER DENSITIES and the ridiculous differences. Not even numbers from the same planet! LOL


Even though they do have some areas with high deer densities they also have areas with much lower densities, just like we have here in this state.

But, as for the geography, I am pretty sure they are still on the same planet; at least the last time I visited their state I only needed a car to get there. Hopefully I don’t have to buy a space ship to get there the next time.

"To illustrate that point why don’t you go ahead and compare the deer densities of Pennsylvania against Maine and see how we compare there. Does that mean we have a better management program then Maine of just that we have different conditions and factors that affect deer numbers then what occur in Maine? "

Im quite familiar with Maines "low" deer densities and its because of their latitude. Harsh winters kill a VERY LARGE percentage of their deer in most years. They also do not blame it on the habitat, and do everything they can to help along their population by cutting harvests to allow herd to rebound. Counter to your views of any time there is winter kill the herd should go lower. Their deer numbers have NOTHING to do with too many tags, and NOTHING to do with poor habitat.

There is zero reason tobelieve our state should have every wmu below 25 owdpsm and in mostcases far less. Consider anything you like..Soil composition, its fine at least in some areas of the state like western pa and out east... compared to other areas of the state. Climate...sw pa is as mild as se ohio, which is also milder than many other states with higher deer densities...and there are plenty of areas in other states with similiar forest composition.


Even in the best of soils and habitat if the deer numbers aren’t controlled they can and will damage their habitat to the point their numbers decline.

Of course there are many habitat variables that will determine the amount of decline. But, the bottom line is if you want the highest long term sustainable deer numbers it is important to keep the deer herd within the limits that prevent any serious or long term habitat damage. If you want the best possible long term future you might have to accept slightly fewer deer in the future. If you keep high deer numbers now you will surely have fewer deer in the future.

R.S. Bodenhorn