Goals for public lands differ by agency. Land ownership goals dictate a range of acceptable deer density targets. Deer density targets will not be allowed to be greater or less than endpoints of that range. Targets and target ranges must be determined using science and will be based upon the quality and quantity of habitat. Quality and quantity of habitat is the essential determinate of deer density targets and funding of methods to improve habitat quality must be continually sought.
Regulatory flexibility is required.
Hunting is essential to the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania s ecosystem. The mission of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, as stated in the recent Strategic Plan, is endorsed by the working group. Citizen task forces or other stakeholder groups should be used to provide input to the PGC on acceptable deer density targets. Citizen task forces have been proven in other states to be a viable method of allowing local stakeholders input into deer density goals. Citizen task forces should be established for each deer management unit.