While Feaser is right in saying there was no secret cabal he is flat out wrong about DCNR influence on the DMP. The SCS Audit specifically directed DCNR to exert whatever political was necessary in oder to get the desired HR.

"BOF RESPONSE: “The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
and the Bureau of Forestry have taken several significant steps to address the
overabundant deer herd on State Forests and State Parks and throughout the
Commonwealth. Secretary DiBerardinis has raised the issue to its highest level
in state government and has personally assumed leadership on moving the issue
forward. To that end, the Secretary placed a moratorium on the use of DCNR
grant monies for use in purchasing State Game lands stating that he could not,
in good conscience, help fund projects with an agency that is preventing him
from meeting his public trust responsibilities of managing DCNR lands
sustainably.
The Secretary was invited to meet with the President of the Pennsylvania Game
Commissioners, Pennsylvania Game Commissioners, and Pennsylvania Game
Commission (PGC) Executive staff to address the deer and other resource
management issues. As a result of the meeting, the Secretary believes that the
deer issue and the department’s perspectives are receiving serious attention and
consideration by the Game Commissioners and PGC Executive staff. Due to this
open dialogue, the Secretary has lifted the moratorium on the use of DCNR
grant funds for potential PGC acquisitions. The Department has submitted
written statement to the PGC for consideration. Subsequent meetings with
Commissioners and PGC Executive Staff are scheduled."


From that statement by BOF it is clear that DCNR blackmailed the PGC in order to get the herd reduction needed in order to get their forests certified. So it is perfectly clear that the PGC is still lying to the hunters.