Unfortunately, there is a big gap between the relatively high deer density (about thirty per square mile) that most people start to find objectionable, and the much lower deer density (about ten per square mile) that causes significant damage to natural areas. We should be managing deer numbers by using biological realities as the guidelines, not political pressure and hunting revenues. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem likely to happen any time soon, especially since most Iowans seem content to seriously underfund the DNR. And it doesn't help that even serious deer damage is invisible to many Iowans who use public land. Cindy Cindy Hildebrand [log in to unmask] Ames, IA 50010 "We passed a high Sand Bank which appeared to be Slideing in at times. Little above a Bank of Sand Stone which was high & many Birds nests in the holes. We proceded on to a large handsome prarie on the North Side where we camped." (John Ordway, Lewis and Clark Expedition) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Join us at Sierra Summit 2005. For information go to: http://www.sierrasummit2005.org/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/