Originally Posted by
BucksBearsnBows
Don't know a thing about Wisconson but PA isn't quite the picture that a few folks like to paint. We have had a reduction in the herd but that has been the stated goal for many years and has just now appears to have been accomplished in a meaningful way. Pa had vast tracts of timber in our "big woods" where precious little forage was to be found below the browse line.
Apparently you dont know much about PA either. Most of our forest doesnt have a browseline. Why? Because its in the growth stage in which there can be no browseline...branches out of reach. And precious little forage because the canopy will not allow regen.
Originally Posted by BucksBearsnBows
At the same time the herd reduction began, so did an antler restriction designed to let some of our bucks get past a year and a half in age. (we were killing 80+% of our yearlings every single year)
The photos in the local papers and the remarkable volume of trophy racks in the local taxidermy shops are testament to the success of our new average antler size.
Prove AR had anything to do with larger racks. I can make the argument very easily that HR in fact is the sole factor in the larger racks
some areas are seeing. Less deer and less hunters make it alot easier for deer to hide, hence make it another year.
Originally Posted by BucksBearsnBows
Pa's changes have pleased most but the few disgruntled hunters have been vocal, passionate and persistent. Hunters have always been notoriously quiet when satisfied as most seem to be. The vocal few have succeeded temporarily in placing a financial chokehold on our State Game Commission. An independent audit of our commisions management plan by an outside firm is due soon though and should debunk some of the fiction being placed out there by the few.
Positive findings from the audit seem imminent simply because the vocal splinter groups began crying foul the moment it was undertaken. It seems they know that their position is based on a sentimental clinging to traditions more than good sound science and popular results.
Do you honestly believe WMI's results will show any abnormalities in the DMP? Consider the source of the audit. It youre unbiased youll see my point.
Originally Posted by BucksBearsnBows
PA's deer management is on the right track and most PA hunters agree.
Only your opinion. Most polls show the exact opposite of your statement.