Ok I guess I gotta admit that Ken Piper is listed as "online editor" of Buckmasters magazine. I also leafed through a handful of back issues and didn't come across him once other than that listing. So now I've heard of him. That doesn't make him a respected authority.

NJB I know your heart is in the right place so don't mistake my disagreement for "blasting you"

I feel I must point out that you really didn't have much of a response to my challenge to name a wildlife professional who has a problem with Pa's chosen path. Common sense tells you Alt is moving too fast. Well, unfortunately, one mans common sense is anothers nonsense. Most of the common sense arguements you cite are the first thing addressed in his public meetings. He is working on more efficient DMU's. The big sweeping changes are not perfect and he admits that. The present proposals are not intended to be put in place and forgotten. They are, according to science, expected to improve things in the majority of situations. Where additional tweaking is warranted, it will happen. Have you ever heard Dr Alt speak on these issues?

No scientist has disputed Alts ability, methods or goals. Professionals do make mistakes, and Dr Alt has readily admitted that he has made them and will likely make more. It's how we learn when we enter new territory and this is new territory.

I'm curious, how did it become clear to you that the health of the herd is not the issue here?

Dont get me wrong, I have lots of ideas that I think would work too. Some of Gary Alts ideas might upset some of my hunting traditions and preferences too. I am willing to be patient,however, and give a damn good wildlife biologist a chance to help improve the health and habitat of my favorite game animal in my home state.

One more thing, I have been passing immature bucks for close to 10 years. What good does it do when 90% of our bucks die wearing their first rack?