Don't cry for Bambi
Yesterday, I enjoyed a conversation about growing up fishing and hunting with Aaron, a typically good-natured, dependable Upstate New York lad. It reminded me of my conversation with one of my Upstate homeys the other day, where he was complaining about the burgeoning white-tail deer populations and worrying about the spread of disease. Now I know that most of you yahoos out there think that New York State is all congestion, slums, and pollution (we Upstaters tend to shun that little, itty-bitty corner that is found Downstate), but the state is mostly rural and 70 percent forested, so pipe down.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), growing deer populations in many areas, coupled with slowly declining deer hunter numbers, have given rise to justifiable concerns about meeting future deer management needs. DEC's Bureau of Wildlife initiated an effort in the Spring of 2000 to consider changes to help maintain an effective deer management program.
New management concepts
Now before you tree huggers, PETA wackos, vegans, and eco-terrorists get your lace panties in a bunch, there are about a gazillion other Web sites on the Internet if you don't want to read about deer hunting and game management. So Nancy, either just suck it up, send me hate email, or move along.
The DEC, in a rare display of game management wisdom, realized that these serious deer population problems could only be dealt with effectively through the adoption and wise use of new (for the DEC) concepts in management. I'll very briefly run through suggestions that are being considered by the DEC so that concerned Upstate conservationists (meaning most of the men, women, and children that live there) know what may be on the horizon:
Access. More public land should be open to hunting, there should be better access facilities on public lands, DEC should have a program to link hunters and landowners, DEC should have a program to promote and pursue access on private land, liability laws need to be improved, there should be an incentive (i.e. tax break) for landowners allowing access.
Antler less Harvest Opportunities. Easier access to (i.e. over the counter issuance of) deer management permits (DMPs), allow use of DMPs during the entire bow season, allow use of DMPs over broader areas, issue more DMPs and expand the use of bonus permits, create doe-only hunting opportunities (i.e. early doe-only seasons).
Bag Limits. Increase bag limits (many variations), limit buck take to one, require an antler less deer be taken before a buck can be taken.
Hunting Implements/Techniques. Allow crossbow use, allow use of scopes on muzzle loaders, allow use of rifles in shotgun areas.
Season Recommendations. Lengthen seasons, standardize opening day, Monday opener, Saturday opener, create system which allows season extensions when needed.
Conserve natural abundance
There are more, many more, including increasing hunter safety program sites and instructors, greater numbers of game management staff, supporting youth and women hunting programs, special seasons, and reducing non-resident fees. Folks, you'll have to believe me when I tell you that there must be some kind of problem for the DEC to be so progressive.
Whatever the reason(s), it's about time responsible change takes place. We Upstaters are justly proud of our scenic natural resources and abundant wildlife, and we want our grandchildren and then their grandchildren to enjoy them just as our forebears did. Want to learn more about what's going on? Just visit the NYSDEC Deer Management Program and follow their many informative links.
As for you city dwellers, petting zoo types, and Bambi lovers that were tough enough to hang in there and read through today's entry, congratulations. And by the way, you might change your tune if you ever get the chance to chow down on some venison sausage or herbed stew.