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SCS acknowledges that solutions to the Pennsylvania deer density problem
cannot be designed and implemented solely by BOF because currently the
Pennsylvania Game Commission regulates deer seasons, bag limits, antlerless
licenses and all other regulatory functions used to reduce deer density by
hunting. Within these realities, SCS requests that BOF take meaningful actions
that are within the Bureau’s control. Thus: by the 2004 annual audit, the BOF
shall develop a 1st draft of a written deer management plan and shall initiate
earnest and aggressive strategic, public advocacy, and political actions aimed at
liberalizing hunting regulations in ways that reduce the deer density on State
Forests. Possible strategic, public advocacy, and political actions include:grant monies for use in purchasing State Game lands stating that he could not,
in good conscience, help fund projects with an agency that is preventing him
from meeting his public trust responsibilities of managing DCNR lands
sustainably.
The Secretary was invited to meet with the President of the Pennsylvania Game
Commissioners, Pennsylvania Game Commissioners, and Pennsylvania Game
Commission (PGC) Executive staff to address the deer and other resource
management issues. As a result of the meeting, the Secretary believes that the
deer issue and the department’s perspectives are receiving serious attention and
consideration by the Game Commissioners and PGC Executive staff. Due to this
open dialogue, the Secretary has lifted the moratorium on the use of DCNR
grant funds for potential PGC acquisitions. The Department has submitted
written statement to the PGC for consideration. Subsequent meetings with
Commissioners and PGC Executive Staff are scheduled.

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