Why you refuse to see the damage that the deer have done is astonishing.
I don't refuse to see the damage the deer have done. I just place it in it's proper context and consider all the other factors involved.
Have you ever been to Latham's acre? The effects of deer can not be ignored.
If anyone wants the habitat produced by zero deer, then they should fence their woods and keep out the deer. it is just like your solution of buying land to offset the effects of the PGC's HR.
Can you tell me the lack of ground cover is not an aggravating circumstance in the reduction of small game numbers across the state
Thee is no doubt that deer can contribute to the lack of understory in the seedling and sapling stage. But the limiting factor in pole and saw timber stands is the lack of sunlight due to a closed canopy. If you don't believe me check out the understory in a DCNR exclosure after 10 years.