Deer management to be scrutinized
Pennsylvania's deer hunting management will be scrutinized following unanimous passage of a House resolution earlier this week. The annual deer harvest totals are the subject of fierce debate in Pennsylvania.
The sponsor, Rep. David Levdansky, D-Allegheny, said Pennsylvania Game Commission policies in place for the past five years warrant closer study.
He said advocates and critics of the policies will both benefit from an objective, independent examination on how the deer herd is managed.
"A lot of times we're talking past each other on the issues, simply because we don't have good data and good information," Levdansky said.
Rep. Dan Moul, R-Adams, said the resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to enlist the services of an independent outside auditor in the wildlife and habitat management field to analyze the whitetail deer population in Pennsylvania.
"As an avid hunter, I am growing increasingly concerned about the management of Pennsylvania's deer population," Moul stated in a news release. "I have heard many concerns expressed by sportsmen that the deer population on state game lands is virtually depleted. This is worrisome. I welcome an independent audit of the Pennsylvania deer population and the Game Commission's deer management practices."
The study will examine the changes in the whitetail deer population over the past 12 years, analyze the Game Commission's management goals and the impact of these policies on the deer population.
"This audit is a precautionary measure aimed at determining whether current deer management practices are working," Moul stated. "It is important to maintain sensible management practices that will achieve a balanced and healthy deer population and enable us to preserve our rich hunting tradition in Pennsylvania."
