STAFF REPORT
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A citizen task force for the 4F Wildlife Management Unit, which includes most of Otsego County, has recommended the DEC set a no net change in the estimated deer population.
A similar task force for the unit that includes the northern portion of Delaware County and smaller sections of Broome and Chenango counties _ 4O WMU _ is recommending a 10 percent increase in the estimated deer population in that unit.
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s estimates of deer populations are used in determining the number of deer management permits.
This latest work of the task forces and a DEC assessment following the end of this season will be used to calculate the number of permits for 2011.
The two task forces received input from more than 300 citizens who had an interest in local deer populations.
Representation on the task forces included hunters, farmers, forest property owners, conservationists, resourcebased businesses and public safety personnel, according to the DEC.
This year, New York residents have a medium probability of getting permits in 4F and a low probability of getting permits in 4O.
Non-residents are not eligible for permits in either unit. Permits are issued through a lottery system with probabilities ranging from none to high.
