Duckmastor2,
I'm really impressed! Good letter to F&W and great follow up from Reynolds. I printed copies to give to fellow hunters on our lease land in Thompsonville.

About a month ago F&W went up in a chopper to do a night spot light count over Cape Henlopen state park (Lewis). Never heard the results, but I'm sure it was well over 20 per sq mile. 200 per sq mile in New Castle is crazy! Couple years ago there was a F&W public meeting to announce the then new deer regs and encourage QDM practices. Alot of guys present from New Castle county complaining there was an enormous herd up there,but few areas allowed hunting due to residential restrictions etc... Apparrently alot of trophies up there will die of old age!

6 guys hunt our farm in Thompsonville. Including myself, 2 of us will take a doe with no hesitation. I've taken 19 deer off that farm in 5 years. 3 bucks, 2 button bucks (mistake),14 does. I find it amazing how many hunters will not take a doe for any number of lame duck reasons,but complain about lack of quality bucks in a given area.

I subscribe to Quality Whitetails(magazine), published by QDM Association. The Executive Director,Brian Murphy(a wildlife biologist)was the key speaker at the DE F&W meeting 2 years ago. After listening to him re QDM practices I decided on the spot to subscibe to their Mag.

The March 2004 issue has a great article about yearling buck dispersal rates written by Brian. Bottom line - hunters need to take more does to keep the dispersal rate down in a given area. I would recommend this magazine to anybody wishing to get solid info based on actual field research and deer hunting in general. A no BS Magazine for serious deer hunters.

Should be a very interesting 04/05 hunting season.

BTW let us know if you hear of any upcoming F&W meetings.