Bob,
    I was unaware that they had begun an Elk hunt in PA. I know the hunters
have lobbied for it in the past, but I didn't know that they had won, as
usual. The case of bears here in MD, is another typical example of that
phenomenon.
    So to rile even more blood, I will add this fuel to the fire: if anybody
really thinks that bears are overpopulated in Garrett County, there are less
than half a bear per square mile out there. Now compare that to the human
population and tell me which is more overpopulated.
    Now consider Shenandoah Park, VA. I haven't been in there fishing for
several years without seeing at least one bear. I've had as many as five on
one trip down to Piney Branch. So they must be at least one per square mile
(Don't know. Just speculating) And the people and bears get along fine. This
BS about human-bear "encounters" is just that - B.S.
    Now to end on a pleasant note, there are a pair of bufflehead and one
female goldeneye in the lake down across the road right now. The goldeneye
is very rare here and may be only the 2nd or 3rd one I've seen here in 19
years.
    Jerry