Private land deer management

[drh1175]

I hunt an area with about 40 acres of woods 200 plus acres of farmland. East central MN.What would be the best # of deer to harvest? Last year we took 3 does and 2 bucks. Also as far as bucks are concerned what should we shoot? Should we take the small bucks and leave the bigger ones, or vice versa? For instance should I look for a point rule 6 points and up or down? Just trying to figure out proper management for our area for years to come. Last year was the first year in 10 years we actually shot a trophy 12 pointer. Every other buck has been 6 points or less it seems.

This is a good question here are my thoughts and what I practice.
Harvest more antlerless deer period. Preferably mature does, learn to identify young fawn bucks with flat tops and pass on these. Minnesota has the nutrition and genes to produce large trophy bucks, what works against it is time. We harvest too many bucks period before they are trophies and if we don't let the small ones go, how will we ever have a crop become large and mature. Another factor working against saving bucks is our season occurs during the rut which causes the bucks to rove more and likely to be harvested. Last year in three units around Park Rapids, of the the total deer harvested 54% where bucks, even though these units allowed five intensive harvest tags for antlerless deer. True,we harvested more antlerless deer in 2003 but we also harvested more bucks too proportionally. Hunters need to realize the importance of harvesting
antlerless deer to get the whole herd in line. Mature does are the ones that produce twin and triple fawns. Mature bucks are the right specimens for a healthy deer herd in the future. The DNR has proposals on the table where hunters may be forced to apply for buck tags and only shoot a buck. I would hate to see this, why when that trophy animal affords itself to you. I would prefer that if it is your wish to harvest, it you can not be restricted by the tag you have. Unfortunately, for some they need to feed their selfish egos and shoot bucks without regarding what is right for the deer herd. To them bragging rights that they got a buck is foremost on their
minds. Unless a buck is a trophy it should be passed on, why just throw the small horns away. It is better to take a doe instead and have better meat besides. Educate others so we don't need to have more regulations. Hunters I hope will continue to take their role in deer management seriously.

Sorry about my comment "selfish egos" it was a bit harsh. But It puzzles me when all the information out there and tags for intensive harvest antlerless why we still have those who only harvest
bucks big or small. Do sportsman realy care about the resource, I sometimes wonder. My comment got away from me.

Right on, well said, hope more read this post and take the advice and select antlerless deer this fall. We don't want more regulations.
Just what is correct for the States deer herd.

Gary's post, explained the importance of harvesting antlerless deer period and it couldn't of been said any better. I appreciate that so many sportsman care for the vitiality of our wildlife resources and are willing to speak up. Sportsman today are becoming better informed on their roles in resource management. Dave.

I say if the shoe fits wear it....ego's drive alot of what we do good or bad, don't feel bad about expressing your thoughts.

[drh1175]

I guess what Gary said is what I was thinking. Last year. I passed on a fork and a 5 pointer only to have my father in law shoot the 5 pointer. He said we are out here for meat. My opinion does have meat too right? I guess that is the problem with it today. We have the opportunity to shoot all the does we want with the intensive harvest tags. I guess I personally will look for the 8 point plus deer and shoot does in the mean time. What is the point of shooting a small buck when you can just shoot a doe instead? I know that there are definitly more does in our area. This weekend we sat in our stands for fun just to see what was out there. We saw 6 deer Sat evening all does. Not sure that is a sign of the abundant does or the Bucks were just sitting low. We set up our game camera's as well to give a better idea of what we had out there. Excited to see, and even more excited for the hunting season!!

Just get out and enjoy hunting this fall and what the outdoors offers

dlh1175: isn't this what father in laws are for. Just kiddin, but I have to agree with the majority of the posts, harvest the mature does and you will be amazed in 5 years how many small bucks you are passing up to try and put your tag on a shooter. (The first couple of years it is a little difficult to pass on legal bucks for some of the people, but it gets easier).

[bladerunner]

Intersting question; I am curious to some insight as well. I hunt 40+ acres in the area of Lapeer county, MI. Throughout the years I'm expecting to see a higher & higher doe to buck ratio (around 15:1 now adays). Most does that I've seen in recent years have more of a resemblance to a tall dog instead of a deer (pretty dainty). Although a few 4, 6 & 8pt bucks have been harvested throughout the years, the majority of movement is made by does anymore.