It seems to me that one of the better tactics for deer number management is removing the older 'mature' does that are more likely to produce and raise twin fawns. You know the ones I'm talking about? What we call 'long heads' (MO even has a question on the 'tele-check' system asking about length of head) that seem to know all the tricks and snort like a steam calliope when they catch a hint of human scent.
Deer management
- Thread starter Mobuck
- Start date
Most processors charge by the deer, so you might as well shoot the biggest one you can find, IF you use a processor.
If you self process, I suppose size is less of a factor.
If you self process, I suppose size is less of a factor.
OP
As you said, most local processors charge per animal so cost wise, bigger is cheaper per pound.
I was primarily talking about herd reduction/management. If a young doe is killed, that's 1 or 2 from next year's herd. If an 'experienced doe is killed, that's more likely to be 2-3 from next year's herd. If that mature doe lives and produces another pair of fawns the next year and her doe fawn produces a single, now there's 6-7. The numbers multiply rather than add.
I was primarily talking about herd reduction/management. If a young doe is killed, that's 1 or 2 from next year's herd. If an 'experienced doe is killed, that's more likely to be 2-3 from next year's herd. If that mature doe lives and produces another pair of fawns the next year and her doe fawn produces a single, now there's 6-7. The numbers multiply rather than add.
contender
Ruger Guru
Today was the first day of our muzzleloading season. I saw 8 deer,, and only (2) of them would fall into what I would consider management deer. I passed,, as I have plenty of time to make decisions.
I dusted a huge doe yesterday with my bow. She easily weighed 200# and was so long I couldnt properly hang her, my posts are 9ft and her feet were still dragging. Weirdly, she had a black tail (we only have whitetails here)
A buddy of mine shot a doe that was enormous one year. She had the biggest hooves I’d ever seen on a doe. She towered over the other does which were traveling with her. I don’t recall her weight but she may very well have been your deers twin.
As a Harley rider and someone oddly fond of self preservation, I believe all you farmers / landowners should be encouraged by MO to take 4, 5, or 6 a year. Lord knows there’s plenty out there. No tag, no permit, no hunting license required.
OP
Plus 1, hittman.
Son bought another salvage tractor and some parts located in central Iowa end of last week. The only time he could get all the parts gathered up was yesterday afternoon. We left here about 2:30 PM and began seeing deer out moving around almost immediately. The best description for the trip home after full dark would be 'TENSE'. No idea how many deer we saw near/on the road. Certainly no need for coffee to stay awake.
MDC has waffled on deer management and is taking ZERO responsibility for deer damage to crops, fences, or vehicles. If MY cow damages YOUR property, I'm responsible but if I kill a deer that is causing damage to MY property, I'm subject to ticketing and fines. Beginning to sound like Robin Hood and Sherwood forest--you know 'the KING'S deer'.
Just a SWAG estimate that deer damage to crops costs us $50-100 PER ACRE each year. Spread over 300 acres, that's a BIG number. And in compensation for that number, GA and I each get 3 free(?) deer tags (only good for land on which we live). My calculations indicate those tags aren't FREE but actually cost $2500 to $5,000 each. We don't get free landowner tags for the north farm because we don't live there.
Son bought another salvage tractor and some parts located in central Iowa end of last week. The only time he could get all the parts gathered up was yesterday afternoon. We left here about 2:30 PM and began seeing deer out moving around almost immediately. The best description for the trip home after full dark would be 'TENSE'. No idea how many deer we saw near/on the road. Certainly no need for coffee to stay awake.
MDC has waffled on deer management and is taking ZERO responsibility for deer damage to crops, fences, or vehicles. If MY cow damages YOUR property, I'm responsible but if I kill a deer that is causing damage to MY property, I'm subject to ticketing and fines. Beginning to sound like Robin Hood and Sherwood forest--you know 'the KING'S deer'.
Just a SWAG estimate that deer damage to crops costs us $50-100 PER ACRE each year. Spread over 300 acres, that's a BIG number. And in compensation for that number, GA and I each get 3 free(?) deer tags (only good for land on which we live). My calculations indicate those tags aren't FREE but actually cost $2500 to $5,000 each. We don't get free landowner tags for the north farm because we don't live there.
What are your thoughts on depridation tags? Opposed because the meat is wasted?
OP
Gator, yes. Crop damage permits are basically totally wasting the resource. I've listened to depredation/crop damage shooters' conversations and actually did some crop damage shooting for pay (probably not kosher but that was 40 years ago). As I understand the program, MDC gives the permits but if the landowner doesn't produce the carcass, no more permits. This brings up another problem due to the additional crop damage resulting from following up and recovering the dead deer. That alone might be more than the actual deer damage. If the deer is left in the field, coyotes will smash a 20' circle scavenging the carcass AND the bones can damage the combine during harvest. The end result: depredation shooting during crop growing season may push the deer away for a short time but the survivors will return within a few days. MDC knows these things but continues the process as it gives the impression of trying to offset the damages.
If the deer are removed during regular seasons, the processors are operating and weather is conducive to proper meat handling. Fawns are weaned or old enough to survive on their own. It's easy to determine deer's sex and remove the resident does from the population.
If the deer are removed during regular seasons, the processors are operating and weather is conducive to proper meat handling. Fawns are weaned or old enough to survive on their own. It's easy to determine deer's sex and remove the resident does from the population.
