http://www.live5news.com/story/26285...hunting-season
The Arkansas hunting board that I frequent is in a constant 'argument' online among themselves, ourselves, about why the deer population of Arkansas is down so far. AGFC tells us that the harvest is a record, over 200,000 killed. Yet, every hunter in South Arkansas (the traditionally deer rich area of the state) almost to a man says that they see 20 deer a year in places they used to see 20 deer a day. It's that way at our lease, to some degree. Yes, folks kill a deer, and it gets checked and counted...........and the AGFC folks attitude is "As long as we're harvesting record numbers, what's the problem?"
Many of the hunters are up in arms (pardon the pun) wanting to shorten the season.......that's their primary suggestion to fix things. Secondarily they want to reduce the 6 doe limit in S. Arkansas, but shortening the season is big push.
I, and others, have pointed out that South Carolina has the longest season in the USA, and their herd is doing ok. They have countered with statements that their herd is NOT doing ok, and the SC Legislature is intervening to try and make limits, etc. They quote the above URL/reference as one case of proof.
I am MOST interested in your take on this issue. I can think of no one more qualified to comment on this.
What is your opinion of the current state of the SC deer herd?
How has that herd changed over the last few years?
What impact does the extremely long season have, good or bad?
Thanks.