On behalf of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) and the Pennsylvania State Chapter we appreciate the opportunity to provide input on Pennsylvania’s 2010-11 deer season. The QDMA is an international nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat, and our hunting heritage. The QDMA has over 50,000 members including more than 3,000 of the nation’s leading wildlife, forestry and land management professionals. As such, QDMA is widely regarded as the most respected whitetail organization in the U.S.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has made great strides in the past several years with respect to deer management. Pennsylvania’s deer herd is more in balance with the available habitat, it has a more balanced adult sex ratio, it has a more complete male age structure, and it has provided some incredible hunting experiences. Antlerless deer harvests have been predictable based on allocation rates within consistent seasons, and Pennsylvania hunters have had some fantastic buck hunting. These improvements were made possible by antler restrictions, concurrent seasons, the deer management assistance program (DMAP), the October antlerless season and a science-based approach to antlerless license allocations.

The QDMA supports the Game Commission listening to hunters and trying to improve their hunting opportunities. We ask that potential changes be thoroughly researched to provide unbiased information, and be supported by the biological staff. We understand there are political pressures on the Game Commission to make changes to the deer season, and we recognize the existing budget constraints and support a license fee increase so the Game Commission can return to full strength with regard to manpower and programs. We also support any landowner being eligible to enroll in DMAP and the opportunity to hunt on Sundays. Most importantly, we support the Game Commission’s deer management program and its measurable goal system of herd health, habitat health and deer-human conflicts.

and it has provided some incredible hunting experiences. Antlerless deer harvests have been predictable based on allocation rates within consistent seasons, and Pennsylvania hunters have had some fantastic buck hunting. These improvements were made possible by antler restrictions, concurrent seasons, the deer management assistance program (DMAP), the October antlerless season and a science-based approach to antlerless license allocations.