I recently observed a doe contributing to the browse line in the forest that makes up her territory. Browse lines are common in our county due to the severe overpopulation of Whitetail Deer...
Hunting, or controlled sharpshooting, has proven to be the only practical method for controlling over populations of deer. The issue of overpopulation will only increase as more habitat is developed and the deer are forced into smaller areas that already are at their maximum carrying capacity.
Thanks for visiting, stay well, and come back soon.
One of the major problems though is that it seems once the powers that be start shooting that they don't know when to stop. I well remember when an important figure in the Pennsylvania Deer Management debate gave a speech that included a phrase to the effect that she wanted it to be that a day when you saw two deer in the woods was a day to be remembered. When numbers are that low, there is little point in trying to photograph or watch the animals. It is basically a lost cause and this is where a lot of people would like to take it to in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteWillard,
ReplyDeleteSo many people take deer sightings for granted that it is difficult for them to imagine reducing a herd from 500 animals to just 40 and how few opportunities for viewing and photography one will have after this reduction has taken place. A prime example can be found in Catoctin Mountain Park right here in Frederick County. Even though this glaring example exists most folks will not take the time to think about the issues and how it will affect those of us who love wildlife and nature.