how small is to small to manage

[revhard]

i was just wondering who on here manages there herd

and how small of a tract have you managed and actually seen results from. we are currently trying to manage a 1400 acre tract for the second yer and seem to be seeing some results.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

Re: how small is to small to manage

Theoretically, the larger the property, the more control and success you'll have. I for one recommend trying to manage for quality regardless of size, because if there's only one thing I'm sure of it's this; if I shoot a particular deer, that deer will never get one day older. If I don't shoot that deer, there's at least a chance he'll live to see another year. And every year of age equals another year of smarts, and that means that fewer and fewer hunters will have the skills to take that deer as it gets older.

[unioncountyslayer]

Re: how small is to small to manage

I have 200 acres that I trophy manage with my in-laws and have seen some decent success. Shot a nice 10 point that I let walk the previous 2 seasons. But as Texan said, the more land you have, the bigger the advantage you have.

[wtnhunt]

Re: how small is to small to manage

We only have control of about 90 acres and that is not enough to even think about trying to manage for quality deer, but we are still trying to pass on the younger bucks.

[Strut10]

Re: how small is to small to manage

1400 acres is enough to be worthwhile managing. 500 is about the minimum to be fairly effective. You should be able to see some good results on 1400.

[stevebeilgard]

Re: how small is to small to manage

i'm having trouble managing my herd out of my garden. does that count? lol

[revhard]

Re: how small is to small to manage

lol i am part of a rod and gun club here in va and we have a bout 5600 acres in three different placs in lancaster county and we have been managing that club for years and it has worked great. i just picked up this piece(1400 acres) last year with a friend and we are gonna try to manage it ourself. oh well its worth a shot. we have got some decent deer on camera this year.

[Jeramie]

Re: how small is to small to manage

Its next to impossible on my famlies place. Most of the neighbors will shoot a button buck and never think twice about it. Its pretty much impossible.

The only thing we do on a regular basis is try to kill off several does a year. They get way to thick, quick.

[jbeck]

Re: how small is to small to manage

We have 800 acres that we try to manage, not to good. There is alot of state ground around us and the impact from that is devistating. We still try to pass on 1 1/2 year old bucks. but it sure wasn't what it was before all the doe license came out here.

[MUDRUNNER]

Re: how small is to small to manage

I would say bigger is definately better.All of my hunting properties are under 100 acres,and most have pretty heavy hunting pressure,which makes it pretty tough.I think anything over 200 or 300 acres,and you should have some success managing.

[Rhino]

Re: how small is to small to manage

We finally got our neighbors to agree on a program. Starting this year with the collective participation of our club and 3 surrounding clubs we'll be managing about 10,000 acres. According to the DMAP biologist it will take 3 years to see the full benefit of our management program.