The reason I responded to this post in the first place is voice my opinion based on both sides of this argument.I hunt in both extremes so I think I understand the concerns on both sides.*

I think you'll probably see benefits to this plan in the areas where you hunt.Shooting more doe and less buck is certainly a step in the right direction.You're hunting will probably improve because it's doubtful Alts ridiculous deer density goals will be reached do to the amount of private property in that area.*

On the other hand,don't be so quick to judge the lack of success or lack of deer sightings others are experiencing accross the state.Our deer densities are at or below Alt's goals and the hunting has gotten much worse.Back in Wyoming county,I never have a day without seeing several deer.Not one time in over 22 years has it taken me more than one day to kill a deer back there.In Clearfield county,I can go days without even seeing a tail in some places.Luckily I have a few decent pieces of private land to hunt on.*

I know Alt said the herd will be allowed to rebound after the forests recover.That's another flat out lie that will never happen.Cameron county has been below it's goal for over ten years now with little change in the habitat.Everytime they timber a piece of state land out here,they fence it in.I can show you several enclosures that have very poor regeneration despite the lack of deer.I realize too many deer are detrimental but the deer are taking all of the blame.Mark my word,once the herd reduction goals are met,the herd will be maintained at those levels.Just hope and pray this merger doesn't happen.If it does,dcnr will have a much bigger say in how little deer we are allowed to have.I'm on a game management committee with two guys from dcnr.These guys hate the deer.*

None of this has anything to do with producing bigger bucks,improving the breeding rates or the general health of the herd.This is all about the deer's relationship with timber.In areas where the Timber rules,the deer lose.