Since deer are being discussed, I want to point out that while  Wisconsin 
humans may have a higher tolerance for large  deer herds than Iowans, 
Wisconsin ecosystems apparently do  not.   The ongoing deer damage to native  
ecosystems in Wisconsin is severe, according to the research I've  read.  
 
As pointed out by Brent Haglund of the Sand County Foundation,  "The  deer 
herd of our era may survive and even thrive in the Wisconsin winters  thanks 
to corn and alfalfa, but our woodlots and forests cannot also survive  when 
the herd gets too large. Many Wisconsin habitats have lost important native 
 plant species that will never return."  Managing wildlife according to  
human tolerance can be an iffy approach if one goal is to maintain native  
biodiversity.   
 
As for Iowa, the DNR may be projecting that the deer herd will  stabilize 
at their population goal in two years, but I guarantee  that short of a 
miracle, Story County will still have a serious  deer overpopulation problem 
then.   I'd bet the same is true for some  other parts of this state.   
 
Cindy  Hildebrand
[log in to unmask]
Ames, IA  50010

"Perhaps I am a  bear, or some hibernating animal underneath, for the 
instinct to be half asleep  all winter is so strong in me." (Anne Morrow  
Lindbergh)

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