I am writing in response to the Dec. 7-13 Sound Off "Where Are DEC Officers." I agree with you! When you consider the deer herd is under hunting pressure from early fall straight through to early December, well, that is just too long of a season. It should be no longer than three weeks long. As is typical of New York, the DEC is doing their part to generate revenue by catering to the whim of every sportsman and special interest group. You can hunt with a bow, muzzleloader, and rifle. Multiple deer can be had with the various combinations of licenses and permits. It is a wonder we don't have to endure a slingshot season! And yes, as you stated, we all know people who complain the loudest about this issue, yet, kill as many deer as they can each year. And please, don't get me started on those nuisance permits; which are abused! They should be eliminated completely. As for DEC officers, they have a tough job, and a dangerous job. Personally, I think they do a good job. However, their job has changed so much over the years. Their leaders in Albany have jumped on the bandwagon of trying to be everything to everyone. Let them return to the days when they were simply protectors of the state's wild game. Let someone else take care of the environmental issues. More money should be put into hiring, training, equipping, and putting more officers in the field. Every conservation club, sportsmen's club, and, individual should lobby their elected officials to address these issues of our deer herd and DEC officers.