Crp is one of many programs available to landowners, many more exists in many areas of the US. CRP is paid for by "ALL" taxpayers. "Edge" is what the referance was too, could be alfalfa,sunflowers,oats, spring/winter wheat, milo, sorghum etc. The more "edge" the more deer. The fact that crp also creates cover along witht he "edge" attributes is what makes it so benefical for much wildlife. Mono habitat is large tracts of one cover type. Large tracts of timber, they will support less deer than areas with "edge" or varying habitat. Checker board types of ground will have much higher deer ratios and can support more deer. Could be range land against,sunflowers,against alfalfa,against a wooded creek bottom etc.
Deer hunting is a management tool has been and will be. If you don't think a pile of doe's get taken each fall in all states then you need to look up the facts. Without those doe's being harvested you would have far more deer/human issues to deal with that is a fact. Doesn't matter which state or part of that state. For every doe harvested you lower the pop modestly by 2.1 deer.
You state in one sense you don't want the check, then you state how much an economic burden deer are to your cattle business? Which way you want it? Paid or not paid? Tell me the dollar amount these deer and goats cost you each year? What would be a nice dollar amount you should receive in compensation?
In fact, if the deer and antelope disappeared from our pastures completely we would be tickled because they are an extreme economic burden on us. We receive absolutely nothing from anyone for the expense of the pasture and hay loss incurred or the repairs to fences and vehicles caused by damage from the public's wildlife.
Vehicle/deer issues are not just your problem, it is nation wide and Ohio/PA leads the way with more than any other state. SD doesn't rank in the top 10 in that catagory. The publics wildlife is being funded in many ways from hunters LB what has it cost you out of pocket in taxes to look after the wildlife in your state? You must remember the wildlife was there long before any of us. The species adapt and that is what is causing problems, not to mention the 2 biggest factors on the numbers are 1.hunters and 2.weather. Take both of these out and you would have serious issues to deal with. I have seen protected areas with no hunting and mild weather where deer have eaten out house and homes, where the gene pool doesn't fork and you have some really weird looking deer and the worst deer antlers one could imagine. There body size is less than half of normal and disease problems are major concerns.
I know to some a sterile enviroment would fit "there" needs but wildlife is important to the majority of Americans, besides decimation of a species would not really benefit anyone. Every state fights to find the balance one both sides can live with, the producers and the sportsman. I can tell you paid to hunt primary buck operations aren't helping with the overall population of deer or antelope.
