Jag1 wrote:
So I have a question about the science of taking does in 2020. It's been 20 years since I was on this site and it seems that the idea of shooting does has evolved somewhat. Back then it seemed the idea was to shoot as many as you wanted. I understand that the deer hunting experience is different across the state and therefore attitudes on this topic. I used to belong to a club in Fayette County many moons ago that went from being able to shoot however many does you wanted to only one. Most members weren't killing many does as they were buck hunting.
I'm assuming you are talking about one specific property?
I defer to BSK for the correct answer.
But for the past 3 seasons I've averaged 15+ deer per season. All bow kills.
The breakdown for this season alone is this:
13 were mature does
2 mature bucks
1 Button buck (MISTAKEN IDENTITY it was late, cloudy, and standing beside a tiny fawn I assumed it was a doe/fawn)
Again all bow kills (compound)
All public/high pressured lands (except 4 four does 2 on one property. 2 on property 10 miles away)
Several different Counties, 2 different States.
Many different doe groups covering many miles between doe groups.
Killing this many deer on one property out of one herd would probably be ill advised unless it was a management goal.
So the answer to this question depends on which property/properties as well.
BTW, my family uses 12-15 deer each year. And there are MANY needing venison!
There is NEVER a shortage of people wanting venison!
So I have a question about the science of taking does in 2020. It's been 20 years since I was on this site and it seems that the idea of shooting does has evolved somewhat. Back then it seemed the idea was to shoot as many as you wanted. I understand that the deer hunting experience is different across the state and therefore attitudes on this topic. I used to belong to a club in Fayette County many moons ago that went from being able to shoot however many does you wanted to only one. Most members weren't killing many does as they were buck hunting.
I'm assuming you are talking about one specific property?
I defer to BSK for the correct answer.
But for the past 3 seasons I've averaged 15+ deer per season. All bow kills.
The breakdown for this season alone is this:
13 were mature does
2 mature bucks
1 Button buck (MISTAKEN IDENTITY it was late, cloudy, and standing beside a tiny fawn I assumed it was a doe/fawn)
Again all bow kills (compound)
All public/high pressured lands (except 4 four does 2 on one property. 2 on property 10 miles away)
Several different Counties, 2 different States.
Many different doe groups covering many miles between doe groups.
Killing this many deer on one property out of one herd would probably be ill advised unless it was a management goal.
So the answer to this question depends on which property/properties as well.
BTW, my family uses 12-15 deer each year. And there are MANY needing venison!
There is NEVER a shortage of people wanting venison!
