Re: What's your take on the deer season?
Roy S wrote:
Besides yotes, do u guys think the numbers are still down b/c of the horrible winter we had 2 years ago?
I think in some areas in the far western part of the state the winter of two years ago certainly affected populations. Not only was there some starvation, those does who did survive were stressed to the point where they didn't produce twin fawns. All of that affected the populations. However, I truly believe in the national forests the bigger problem is one of management. Simply put there needs to be a much greater emphasis on clear cutting to increase the available browse for the benefit of all the game species. Right now, if there is no acorn crop to speak of the mountain deer don't have much to eat at all. Couple a bad acorn crop with bad weather (heavy snow cover and cold) and you've got a recipe for disaster. I think what Pa is doing in the way of management of their ANF is the way to go for sure. Lots of clearcutting and lots of food available to support not only deer, but grouse and turkey as well. I know one thing for sure, the populations of both deer and grouse in the National Forests of Virginia have dropped like a stone compared to what they were 20 years ago IMO.