Buck limits

[Beekeeper]

I have seen a scientific survey of a random cross section of all the hunters in the state on the season lengths in Tennessee that show hunter preference.

Does anyone know of a scientific survey on hunters bag limit preference that would include a random cross section of all the hunters in the state not just those on this site or the ones involved in QDMA?

 

[scn]

TWRA has contracted with the University of TN for such studies. I don't know when the last one was done. You may want to give the Wildlife Div. a call on Monday.

 

[Beekeeper]

Thanks.

 

[BigGameGuy]

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond, it has been quite a hectic week with the Commission meeting approaching.

In response to your question, we pride ourself by keeping a pulse on the preferences of our deer hunters. We contract with the Uniiversity of Tennessee to conduct a scientific human dimensions survey to determine the desires and wishes of our hunters. Here are some of the results of those studies over the years:

 

[Beekeeper]

Thanks. In the 2012 survey it looks as if more people preferred 4 or more than preferred 2 or less. The 3 buck limit came out ahead in all 4 years.

Thanks again for the Data.

 

[fredfred]

So what would they do if the surveys showed that most people preferred 2 or less?

 

[BigGameGuy]

Since a two buck limit would not significantly impact the resource, we would most likely recommend a two-buck limit. Our resource needs come first, the hunters needs come in a close second. We have been standing by the desires of our hunters.

 

[fredfred]

Thanks

 

[PillsburyDoughboy]

I'm ok with the 3 limit but would be happier with 4. I doubt 4 would make a huge impact on the number killed in all reality.

The 3 rule allows me to get one meat buck in early bow season then another sub trophy buck anytime after that. Then a third tag for trophy hunting. It's the formula I use since we went to 3 buck limit!

Limiting me to two would probably make me think twice about putting down that meat buck early bow season and just kill does and not filter out the undesirable genetics. Probably would on a lot of hunters I know and I suspect it would hurt the genetics state wide with less little bucks or sub bucks being taken out.

4 would really open up a couple of those shots for me when I have two bucks tagged and a deer comes in early or late that I cannot tell for sure is a doe or legal buck. I have not taken the shot several times on what could be a meat doe when it runs the risk of burning my last legal buck tag.

I know a lot of people will say well you should not be shooting if you can't tell what it is but in all reality we know that in the field a good majority of the hunters pull the trigger on the deer when they can positively identify it's a deer and it's legal shooting light. So please do not enter that into debate. Thank you!