Post by conch on Feb 10, 2021 11:06:33 GMT -5
About 15-18 years ago, I was given permission to hunt a farmer's property. Just prior, a program started, statewide, called 'Quality Dear Management', which the locals signed up on. Hunters were encouraged to take only big bucks and pass on the smaller ones. I went around the area to meet the locals, assuring them I was was fine with taking only bucks with 8 points or more. A few weeks later, on opening day of bow season, I killed a nice buck that met that criteria. I left it hanging up in front of my farmers barn for a day, and the locals couldn't have been more happy for the new guy. I was roundly congratulated, I heard of no sorry grapes, and actually was thanked for not taking a small buck. Unreal, huh? After that, I only took does, not seeing any more big bucks.
But the local participation lasted just two years. During gun season, I helped one guy haul a 6 point out, that he was sure had been much bigger. New hunters, kids, grandkids, what ever, were encouraged to kill the first deer that came in range. At the local bar & grill, I heard of area hunters taking spike horns, 4 & 6 pointers. During late small game season, on an adjoining property, I found the remains of 2 processed button bucks, with the owners kill tags still on them. In short, 'Quality Deer Management' was over. Not just in our area, but I think state wide.
I still hunt out there, mostly small game, although I will take a mature doe during gun season, wanting to stay on the good side of the locals. It's all too bad, as in just 2 years we were all sure we were seeing more and bigger bucks.
But the local participation lasted just two years. During gun season, I helped one guy haul a 6 point out, that he was sure had been much bigger. New hunters, kids, grandkids, what ever, were encouraged to kill the first deer that came in range. At the local bar & grill, I heard of area hunters taking spike horns, 4 & 6 pointers. During late small game season, on an adjoining property, I found the remains of 2 processed button bucks, with the owners kill tags still on them. In short, 'Quality Deer Management' was over. Not just in our area, but I think state wide.
I still hunt out there, mostly small game, although I will take a mature doe during gun season, wanting to stay on the good side of the locals. It's all too bad, as in just 2 years we were all sure we were seeing more and bigger bucks.