Maximizing Your Deer Management Efforts

[bwiltse]

Let's assume that there are no mandatory regulations (other than current regs) and you want to protect yearling bucks and harvest an adequate number of does. What are your thoughts on how to best achieve and/or maximize these deer management objectives?

PS - Let's also assume that your hunting acreage is 100 acres or less and cooperation from neighbors will be helpful.

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Boyd

[Steve]

Hmmm, this is a good topic, lets see... I guess I would start with saying that if there are too many does, having a rule that you have to take a does (excluding of course button bucks) before you take a buck. And then goe from there are far as the minimum requirements a buck must fullfill to take him. You could use the "at least 4 points on one side" requirement.

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[Joe Archer]

I think first I'd view the herd as often as possible and get an accurate estimation of the buck: doe ratio. From there start a plan based on the number of hunters in your area to harvest a sufficient number of doe. If you are in Northern Michigan, don;t take the spike horns. <----<<<

[farmlegend]

First of all, if your acreage is 100 or less, I would say that the cooperation of neighbors would be mandatory, rather than helpful, if you want to achieve your objectives. Otherwise, while you're busy protecting young bucks and harvesting does, your neighbors have better opportunity than ever to lay waste to those vulnerable yearling bucks.
Assuming your neighbors are conscientious, decent folks, I would suggest politely broaching the subject of enlightened herd management. If you can afford it, buy them a one-year QDM membership as an investment. They'll likely read the magazine and learn plenty. You'll then have a shot at developing a "convert" and ultimately improving the health of your local herd, as well as enhancing your hunting opportunities.
If you have incorrigable neighbors that attempt to whack every yearling buck and button fawn they see, violate game laws, trespass, litter, etc., good luck! You'll never educate these folks, and they are a substantial barrier to any effort to improve the health of our deer herd. Further, until we hunters insist to our state government that our game laws are enforced and resources applied to do so, their behavior will continue. I, for one, would happily pay double the current fee for my tag if 100% of the differential went to game law enforcement.

[Stinger]

Yep, I also believe that without the support of all landowners and hunters in your area QDM will not have the chance to work. It will take time to educate and see the benefits but IMO the results will be worth it.

Things take time.