Fawn/Button Buck Regulation Change?

[bwiltse]

Would you be in favor of a regulation change, which counted a "fawn/button buck" the same as a "legal antlered buck", in order to protect some of these younger bucks and promote more careful identification of deer by hunters prior to shooting? And let's assume there would be no "hunter penalties" (an option for a hunter shooting a buck fawn and not having an unused buck tag, simply could be placing their antlerless tag on the deer as they do under current regulations). Your comments and thoughts are appreciated.

Boyd

[Hamilton Reef]

A buck is a buck, therefore I support a buck tag for any buck including antlers less than 3 inches and button buck fawns.

Pentalty for button buck fawn with only a doe tag in possesion could be a mandatory check in with doe tag attached. The inconvenience of bringing in the fawn would be a cheap lesson for the hunter to identify closer the next time, there is the stigma of bringing in a little dog size deer for ID with potential cost of $45 for cutting up, and most important the DNR would have a count of the button bucks to assess the future lost to herd balance and some record of the experience level of the hunters for future education challenges.

[boehr]

Some good ideas posted above and I would also be in favor of a buck is a buck. We already have Deer Management Units set up which are used for antlerless deer. I can see all kinds of controversy in setting these regs with the hunters out there though. I can say that even with unlimited antlerless kill tags the past two years you all would be amazed at how many people continue to be caught with untagged deer which leads me to believe there would be big problems with tagging on a new regulation such as this. I agree though my number one idea for hunting is to be in the woods and we must educate, especially young hunters, to that idea.

[This message has been edited by boehr (edited 03-25-2000).]

[Barney]

I would be in favor of a buck is a buck. It has been a long time comming. It would help the buck population and you should have more yearling bucks.

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Barney

[Steve]

I can't see how you could argue against this. You might want to have a provision to say something to the effect that if you are under 16, you could still take any deer. I wouldn't want to discourage a youngster from taking his first deer in any way.

[bwiltse]

Steve, this type of regulation change shouldn't preclude anybody(regardless of age)from shooting any antlerless deer. It would merely require you to use your buck tag on a buck fawn and in the absence of a buck tag, you would use your antlerless tag.

I agree and appreciate your concern for youth. They are our future and the future for hunting, and we need to set the tone and give them the proper opportunities. Perhaps more special youth hunts sometime in September whereby they could hunt deer, while accompanied by an adult, would be beneficial.

Boyd

[Steve]

Agreed Boyd!

[Seldom]

A buck is a buck regardless of what they have or don't have for headgear and that is how they should be tagged!