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Show THE REAL DOPE y Bill CoKrin W have received a letter from D. I. Raamusaen of the U. S. forest service inclosing some editorials out of the Pennsylvania Game News and while he didn't request publication, we are certain that seeing these in print In Utah would please him so here goes. The editorial that covers the subject about as well ax possible, ii one titled "Pennsylvania's Sacred Cows." Ta all outward appearance the only difference between the male and Xemala-wbitstail deer la a etsianl -each 4 antler. Both are the sane color, grew t about the same size, have similar gaits and speed, aad posses the same natural intelligence. White tail buck aad does evea offer equal challenge te the skill f a hunter aad It Is Impossible te distinguish the meat of cither whea they become a tasty course ef Teniae a. "But tor too many Pennsylvania hunters the simile of sexes ends before it starts. With unfounded superstition, misguided thinking, and Illogical prejudice they classify doe deer in the same category as Indus "sacred cows." Killing a female whitetall is reputed to be the brand of a coward, the mark of a traitor to sportsmanship. Jeopardise Future "Somehow the fact that they are Jeopardizing not only their future sport in deer hunting but, slso, many kinds of small game hunting as well has not yet penetrated their minds. Now is the time for a change in this hunting philosophy. It is too late for wishful hopes and folk lore beliefs about Pennsylvania's "sacred cows." "Fee within those sleek bodies lie forces ef destruction which are slowly but surety raining the future ef deer hunting here the abilities te produce more deer. The prolific doe has long since become the dilemma ef successful deer herd management; man-agement; It Is high time mere hunters realised It. We most new belatedly face these facts: "1. There Is not enough food left in the natural cover of Pennsylvania to support even the present deer herd. Take a look at the sis and condition of almost ail the deer that will be draped over the fenders of cars on the highways next December. Will those trophies of the chase look like fat, healthy, well-fed animals? Or will the vast majority of them be thin, scrawny runts? ' Net Inough food "2. It will be yesrt before enough natural food can be grown to support adequately a deer herd of present day size. It would b economic suicide for any state agency or private organization to attempt to create conditions which would produce enough deer browse in a short time, either through cuttings, bulldozing or replanting, replant-ing, to feed our present deer herd. Did you ever stop to realise how much food it takes to feed approximately 700,000 deer? Peaasylvanla deer aet only de aet have enough te eat . aew hat are literally ruining the food bow Being produced which sight offer seme relief la the future. Ia many sections ef ear stat yeang tree and planted seedlings are b reward t death, thus eadlag say possibility for tutor food and cover. "4. The farmers of the commonwealth cannot be expected to' continue raising crops for consumption by marauding bands of deer. Whitetaila have no business on farms. Killing those that destroy or damage farm crops is little compensation for th fanner who has lost a fltld of grain or fruit 8. Th only feasible and sensible method of balancing our deer herd with the available food supply is by harvesting a regular crop : of antlerless animals. Baca us of th high birth rata of deer and be- 1 cause a few bucks can serve msny does, a reduction in the present ; excessive number of does will Improve toe future of our deer hunting. The fact is that the last three antlerless seasons were followed by ' buck seasons in which there was an increase In the number of bucks ' killed. "If we are to have better hunting of all kinds In the future, the ' deer must be reduced until there is adequate natural browse to feed ; the herd. The time Is now." , I |