While no one knows for sure if DMAP tags on SFL were effective at reducing the herd to lower levels on SGLs and adjoining properties we do know that DMAP and HR has been a miserable failure at increasing regeneration as we were told it would. Now DCNR is telling us that even with low DD there will be no improvement in regeneration due to competing vegetation.
Here is a quote from the DCNR report on DMAP in Bald Eagle SF.
Competing vegetation is a major obstacle in this unit. It was found on 98 %
of the plots. Even if deer numbers are lowered, the response in regeneration
cannot be expected unless the competing vegetation is dealt with.
Taking all of these factors into consideration and the fact that this area will become a part
of 1125, we are applying for DMAP tags at a rate of 1 tag/50 acres.
So, even though reducing the herd had no beneficial effect on regeneration,DCNR is still going to DMAP the area in an attempt to reduce the herd even more.