PA Legislator Plans to Increase Deer Herd for Hunters

Photo by ICHIRO / Getty Images

A Pennsylvania state legislator has announced his proposal to increase the deer herd on state game lands. According to a January 9, 2009 press release, State Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fayette) plans to introduce legislation to "adopt new policies and procedures to benefit hunters and other sportsmen and women."

State wildlife agencies keep deer populations high through a variety of tactics including clear-cutting areas in order to create the edge habitat that is preferred by deer, and renting lands to farmers who promise to grow deer-preferred crops and leave some of their crops in the field for the deer. While such efforts are sometimes vaguely described as benefitting "wildlife," Mahoney makes no attempt to hide the purpose behind his proposal:

"Hunters across the state would like to see Pennsylvania's deer population returned to the robust level of past years," Mahoney said. "Unfortunately, the deer population has dwindled over the years and that's why my proposal is important. It would make boosting the deer population a priority so more deer would be available for hunters to harvest."

What is the reaction of the hunting community? One hunting columnist thinks the intent behind the plan is "commendable." Efforts to reduce the deer population are met with resistance from hunting groups, such as the United Sportsmen of Pennsylvania, who state on their website, "Are you unhappy with the state of deer hunting on public lands? . . . If you think hunting is bad now, wait until next year!"

Not that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is trying too hard to reduce the deer population. They do consider input from hunters when determining their deer management goals.

When most people hear that state wildlife agencies intentionally keep the deer population high for hunters, they consider the idea incredible. Almost paranoid. Documents like Mahoney's press release and the hunting column are priceless for getting the truth out to the public. And the next time a hunter argues that hunting keeps the deer population in check, you'll know the truth.

Links:

• How are Deer Managed by State Wildlife Agencies?
  
• Arguments For and Against Hunting
  
• What is Deer Overabundance?
  
• Drive Carefully - It's Hunting Season