This whole subject, and argumentive responses really pisses me off! Here we got two guys going back & forth like 2 Mr. know it alls. 1 believes in the DEC, the other doesn't. So now I'm putting in my 2cents if its even worth that. I may not agree with everything the DEC does. But regardless its the only system we have in the state. So we need to make the best of it. Atlasman if you don't like the system the DEC uses, then why do you even bother to purchase a hunting license, heck why not just go poach your deer while your at it. You obviously expect the DEC system to be perfect, but yet you, and your buddies do little to help contribute to the system by not calling in your harvests. So all I can say if you don't think the system works, its partially do to NO EFFORT by yourself, and friends. So give yourself a big pat on the back there! I certainly appreciate your honesty for the future herd. So lets just complain about the system, but do nothing to help it. RIGHT!
On the other hand I do agree our deer populations are way down. The DEC has worked for the last several yrs to purposely lower the population. Its doing it for reasons to try, and satisfy all parties. The farmers, the motorists, and the hunters. Sure I'd like to see 20 deer go by in a herd. But those days are gone. But what we have now sure beats story's from my grandfathers telling me of hunting wks w/o ever seeing a deer. If a hunter cut a track they had a good day!!!!!!!!!!