I hunt in Northern New York, east of Lake Ontario. We had a few mild winters here and the deer herd exploded numerically. There were lots of car-deer accidents. Farmers complained about deer eating their crops. Good scenario, wouldn' t you say? Here in New York State, hunting matters are governed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Anyway, the DEC seems determined to eliminate the deer here in the northern zone any way it can. They were very slow to get on top of things in the first place. Now, they are issuing what is called " nuisance permits" to farmers. I know one farmer who was just given permits to kill 10 does. There are many others given the same opportunity. There is an area near here called the Tug Hill Plateau where lake effect snows get very deep in winter. It is very hard on the deer herd. I know a farmer on Tug Hill who was given 20 " nuisance permits" to thin the deer out on his property. The problem in all this is that winter was quite severe last year. The number of deer is in decline. Everyone here has noticed there are fewer deer this year. It is especially true on Tug Hill. However, the DEC is slow to respond and continues to issue " nuisance permits" . They are too slow to respond in the first place, and too late in responding to the actions they have initiated when their efforts have been accomplished. Sorry to complain, but their management stinks! How about you people? Are you satisfied with the management of " the powers that be" in your area/state? I think we need fewer biologists and professional foresters....and more hunters involved in game management.

Clint