lowering buck-doe ratio: state programs?


buckshot_09

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just wondering what, if any, programs your state is using in order to keep the doe population in check and lowering the buck to doe ratio. i seen roughly 40 deer this past season during 4 days of rifle and a half dozen of bow. in all of that, 4-5 bucks, so that puts the herd to an approx. 10:1 ratio, which is not exactly ideal for producing mature bucks, and overall herd health. trying to get the message around and hopefully put a little pressure on the MNR to change things a bit. so if you can offer any info or advice on your programs, perhaps maybe pros and cons based on your opinion. hoping to get a good idea of which direction to head and to base my proposal. thank you very much for your time and help!

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In our state, there is no limit on doe harvests, but the buck harvest is halted at two, no matter what the weapon.

In some public areas, the "earn a buck" program is enforced. You must harvest a doe before a buck is taken.

I'll add that IL has a weekend late season antlerless only for firearm hunting. There is talk of making it 9 days next year.

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We have what they call liberal limits, the counties in those regions hunters are allowed to take 3 does(antlerless deer) a day for the duration of the seasons. From what I hear and read in harvest reports a lot of button bucks also get whacked, does not seem like a good method of management to me for a few reasons.

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Yep, The "Earn A Buck" program has been in Wisconsin since 1996. We have probably the most strictly enforced antlerless hunting regs there are.

With all due respect, I don't think it is quite as easy to guestimate your deer sex ratio as you described. It is a very difficult thing to do. You can tell however if you you have too many or not enough.

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Ohio has offered reduced cost tags for antlerless deer for some time now. Problem with antlerless is that some bucks still get shot with these tags.

Buck tag costs $24, antlerless is $15, but they used to be $10.

Also, in Ohio, you can only tag one buck, regardless of weapon. In some areas of the state, you could tag 7 antlerless if you wanted to.

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Yep, The "Earn A Buck" program has been in Wisconsin since 1996. We have probably the most strictly enforced antlerless hunting regs there are.

With all due respect, I don't think it is quite as easy to guestimate your deer sex ratio as you described. It is a very difficult thing to do. You can tell however if you you have too many or not enough.

i agree 100%. but we've been noticing a decline in buck harvest in the region, as well as bucks sightings over the past couple of years. i will be doing more extensive research, as well as analyzing harvest reports. but everyone seems to be on the same page that does outnumber the bucks by a fairly wide margin.

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