Here is some added info from Stabeck:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Edward G. Staback
D-Lackawanna/Wayne
http://www.pahouse.com/Staback
Deer management audit set to begin
HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Rep. Ed Staback announced today that the long-awaited deer management audit called for in H.R. 642 of 2008 is set to get underway.
The resolution mandated a study of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s past decisions on deer management and their future strategy. It was adopted unanimously by the state House on April 7, 2008. Since that time, efforts have been underway to outline the exact points to be addressed by the audit. Legal action involving the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania over deer management decision-making has also delayed the study.
"It took quite a lot of effort to get all parties satisfied to the point where the audit could move forward," Staback said. "I was particularly pleased with the cooperation of the Game Commission in getting this study started."
Wildlife Management Institute will conduct the audit. Wildlife Management Institute was formed in 1911 and is a widely respected, independent and scientific organization. Working with colleges and universities, Wildlife Management Institute will conduct an in-depth investigation into the current deer population in the state, past Game Commission methods of population control, and future plans and goals of the agency.
"Wildlife Management Institute is well-prepared to do a thorough and independent review," Staback said. "The scope of this study is large. The questions it seeks to answer are the same ones I have heard from hunters for years. Whether the question is habitat, herd health, hunter satisfaction or the future of hunting as a sport -- this audit will shed light on a wide variety of important topics.
"I think everyone concerned about the outdoors should welcome the news that the deer audit is set to begin and, like many of us in the legislature who worked on drafting it, should look forward to the study’s results," said Staback.
Staback is chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee.