I read the Oct. 26 article by Terry Karkos, “Biologist: Deer harvest to be lower than usual.” The real truth has been hidden from hunters for 50 years and continues.
The biologist says the deer numbers and harvest are being affected only by the cold winters and deep snows. If that were the case, I suggest that the biologist pack his bags.
The biologist says Maine is trying to rebuild the deer herd. Well, in 1980 the bucks-only law was passed and has been on the books ever since. The deer harvest has been decreasing ever since.
It is plain to see. What has been happening for 30 years doesn’t work. But state officials continue to pull the wool over the sportsmen’s eyes. They even have Commissioner Chandler Woodcock duped.
Checking deer numbers by helicopter is a laugh.
The real truth is that it is not the cold winters and deep snows. It is not that Maine is the farthest point north for the whitetail deer. It is not the coyotes killing the weak and sick. The truth is the coyotes are killing the weak, the sick and the healthy deer.
The biologists have a theory about that — nature will balance out itself. But after 50 years of doing nothing, I strongly suggest that the biologists get busy. Introduce snares again and run coyotes with hounds. If they cannot control predators, they should pack their bags.
They have been out of excuses for 50 years.
Jean Arsenault, Mexico
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