Is this Good or Bad?

[RugerNiner]

GAME COMMISSION LOOKS FORWARD TO COURT RULING ON DEER MANAGEMENT

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today welcomed the opportunity for the agency to present its case to Commonwealth Court to resolve, once and for all, the scientific foundation of its deer management program.

"We recognize that the Commonwealth's deer management program is viewed differently by many people, and there are those who do not support some of the current outcomes," Roe said. "However, as the Game Commission manages all wild birds and mammals and their habitats for current and future generations, we must do what is right for all based on the best science available.

"We look forward to a speedy trial with few continuances, and the opportunity to have our many expert witnesses expound on the scientific basis and soundness of our management plan. Likewise, as part of the process, those who filed this lawsuit will have to validate their claims by presenting their scientific evidence and expert witnesses."

Roe noted that the only troubling part of the process is the expected costs that will be incurred by the agency and, in turn, license buyers.

"At a time when the Game Commission hasn't received a license fee increase since 1999, and given the rising costs we are faced with to continue to fulfill our wildlife management mission, the agency can ill-afford travel costs and reimbursement fees to the state Office of Attorney General to litigate this case, which could be considerable by the end of the process," Roe said. "Additionally, we will be forced to redirect staff time and attention away from important research and projects to prepare for court proceedings and to provide testimony.

"However, at the end of the trial, we are confident that this debate over the scientific validity will be resolved once and for all."

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/v...?Q=174478&A=11

[bigdog02]

I think it is a good thing.
The PGC has been taking flak for their management and the science behind it for a while - especially from a crack pot hunting group out west in the state. They have tried to bring several lawsuits against the PGC.

I know the current deer biologist, he is a good guy and has VERY good scientific principles behind the management.
Dr. Alt also had great science behind it but couldn't fulfill his plan like he hoped (MANY more management units instead of a handful of larger ones). His plan would have been great, but with that many management units, there would have been a lot of confusion and a lot of problems trying to manage each one. The upside was you could micromanage deer populations down to herds and groups.