I got two replies that were very positive from Pa state legislators on the subject of improving DD goals for pa. based on more than just forest.

I pointed out to those that I emailed that the new deer biologist they (PGC) hired, Jeannine Tardif wrote her thesis on "The title of her thesis was Use of agricultural lands by white-tailed deer: use areas and habitat selection." ......and yet here in pa where she works the PGC does not consider farmland as habitat for deer.

I pointed out the irregularities presented by the WMUs which have 14dpsm in 4d and those in the south with 6dpsm and the differences. (And most of that is from reading deadeers posts and information).

It took a few exchanges of emails but today I have gotten favorable responses to my mails from two state Reps who are both on the Fisheries and Game Committee.

This is not a new issue, and they said this has been discussed amongst wildlife managers for 20 or more years, but in light of the recent power grab by Audubon and DCNR on herd reductions they are going to discuss amongst the F&G committee what can be done to revamp those goals, or study better methods. They both acknowledge that only the PGC can set those goals, and the legislature has no say in changing it. But they do think that they are being misled by the PGC in the testimony that deer managers and leaders of the PGC are giving to their committee on the hill. And with letters pouring in from sportsmen, they are now much more concerned about the methods, practices, and reports coming out of the PGC, and are now better prepared to challenge the biologists assertions. (which is part of thier role as representing sportsmens issues on the F&G committee) . And that means they could also challenge any future license increase...
and talk to the governors office regarding the needs of hunters in Pa's 'legislative agenda'.


Much attention has been brought to the issues hunters are facing, by writing to legislators, as well as commissioners. No longer can the commissioners say to the members of the legislature that "hunters are quiet" and "we aren't hearing anything", the word is getting out that hunters feel they were misled, and the PGC promised much more than they could deliver.


Of all the emails and letters I have gotten over the last couple months, the one thing that legislators are either impressed with or surprised by is the volume of mail. I have received several responses from legislators (some are just cut and paste standard replies, but some are quite informative and personalized. One North Central legislator replied 4 times with very informative and candid opinons).

I have never received a reply from any PA Game Commissioner.


I am going to the PGC meeting Sun & Mon, I hope to give an update on the sunday testimony of hunters, and the Monday testimony of Sen Boscola and the other speakers on the Mon. agenda.


If you have not written to the PGC or to legislators, you should there is still time. This Jan meeting's results will only be preliminary..... The final results and vote will be in April. So there is a lot of time to make sure your opinons are heard.