Oh, Deer: Cathy Stepp's DNR On Self-Destructive PR Binge

In the wake of a disastrous, image-busting week which included seizing and killing a sheltered fawn and then deciding to take down its agency-created Facebook-posted explanation in the face of the backlash (by that time, the fawn had its own Facebook page), - - the DNR sure picked the wrong time to put out this announcement:

The Department of Natural Resources wants anyone who spots a buck, doe and fawn before Sept. 30 to keep track of their observations on a tally sheet available on the agency's website. People also can submit their observations on the website.

The effort is part of the DNR's annual Operation Deer Watch. The agency uses the observations to gain insight on the deer herd's reproduction.

Since the program runs through the end of September, perhaps a delay of a few days would have been prudent.