You know, the DEC personel that we have talked to, all support this proposal. I think its bad news. I said I felt that the muzzleloader season was ill-advised, and they looked at me like I was nuts. I explained how bucks would be taken illegally, and their response was, well, those guys would do that anyway. I replied that no, before, if you were out there with a muzzleloader, it would be hard explaining what you were doing, but with this new season, its only tempting guys by putting them into that position legally.

I dont mind the earlier start for bowhunters, hell I always wondered why we didnt do it sooner. My only complaint to that was selfish, as a taxidermist the season is already so darned long, I didnt want two more weeks! But I think its ok for the hunters. The Saturday start is a great idea, we have seen a big drop in hunters in the field. Folks cant risk their job to go hunt on a Monday morning opening day, and with so many areas seeing job downsizing, many guys are starting new jobs in the last few years and no longer have seniority for vacation time.

Ill tell you from experience, though, that youll find out more about these so-called public meetings AFTER theyve been held. It was the same thing with the silly CWD crap. Personally, I dont believe we will have too much say in this matter. As for less deer, the DEC WANTS less deer, make no mistake about it. Theyre willing to give up license revenue to hand out so many crop damage permits, you know theyre trimming back the herd. I believe that soon youll see deer numbers much more similar to the late '70's. I dont think thats so bad as far as the deer quality goes, but guys have gotten used to multiple deer takes and will undoubtedly be unhappy with the possibility of going without a deer.