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However in recent years, it's not just hunters who have kept a watchful eye on the state's deer population. For the past 20 years, scientists and environmentalists have been saying that Pennsylvania's large deer herd is eating its way through and destroying forests and causing too many vehicle crashes. For much of that time, the state's Game Commission has been using it's only available means -- hunting -- to manage the size and location of the deer herds.
The management program has utilized antler restrictions and allowed hunters to kill more females or does. The results have been controversial. Many hunters complain there aren't as many deer, especially in the areas of the state considered traditional deer habitats like the northern tier counties.
Friday's Radio Smart Talk features Jerry Feaser of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to discuss the latest deer management news.
Also, in another of WITF's continuing series of pre-election year interviews with the long list of candidates for governor, Democrat Jack Wagner -- the state's current Auditor General joins us.
