Carl G. Roe is executive director of the Pa. Game Commission.

The fact that our deer program is a point of contention is a serious concern for us and sportsmen. We are listening and do care about our hunters and hunting traditions, but our primary concern remains with the mission- the conservation and responsible management of the wildlife resource for all Pennsylvanians.

Yes, deer hunting is more challenging, but there has been considerable success as antler restrictions continue to prove their effectiveness. Reports of larger deer with better racks have been reported in many parts of the state.

From a Pa. Game News article: "Certain parts of the range have been found to be supporting only comparatively few deer, but these circumstances are almost invariably found to have arisen where food conditions are least favorable and the range incapable of properly supporting even the occasional deer found therein."

When did this appear? In September 1938. Similar articles appear in 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and recent years.

It would be my guess that in 2020 we will still be discussing the differing views of deer management. However, we believe that our goals of a healthy herd, healthy habitat and a reduction in deer/human conflict are sound public policy and, in the long term, will best serve wildlife conservation and the people of the Commonwealth. Sound public policy is not always popular or easy to achieve.

We currently are conducting research to improve species management. Our doe study is in its final year. We maintain a variety of surveys to document population trends and user characteristics.

Working with partners (including many respected statewide sportsmen's organizations, conservancies and other state and federal agencies), we have been able to improve wildlife habitat on State Game Lands and to increase the total acreage of our State Game Lands system.

It appears that more land is being posted for a variety of reasons. However, our cooperator program has been one of the great successes. We have more than 28,000 cooperators with nearly 4.3 million acres open to the public. We are in the process of mapping and validating cooperators' locations for easier access for hunters and trappers.

Previously, the programs required the landowner to allow all game species to be hunted. Now, the cooperator can decide which species will be hunted or trapped. This includes the elimination of the previous provision that required doe hunting to be allowed. Now, landowners can place signs of "no doe hunting" if they wish to increase the deer herd on their property.

We are continuously striving to improve our operations and I believe the Pennsylvania Game Commission team and its volunteers are outstanding stewards of the public's natural resources. What is 'My Side?'

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