2008 Harvest Goals?

[jacannon63]

Our clubs goal for this year is 30 does. We almost always reach this one. We usually kill 15 or so bucks, most of these are 3 1/2 years or older.I would like see no young bucks at the skinning shed except for first time hunters. We have been letting most of the young bucks walk for 19 years now and I see no reason not to wait on a shooter.

[JPA]

Yes, it is that time of the year again.  Life is good, but things have limited my deer hunting forum time.  I do have fond memories of the discussions of the past though.  Look forward to catching up with you all.

[schlupis]

Where do you hunt what state and how much land do you have. That sounds like a lot of deer to be killed off one property in a year 30 does and 15 bucks. 15 bucks all 3.5 or older is impressive.

[jacannon63]

My lease is in South Ala. and it is 2300 acres. We kill 30 does almost every year and our goal is to kill 15 bucks that are 3 1/2 or older. Last year we killed 8 bucks and only one was 2 1/2 The year before we killed 15 bucks and one was 2 1/2. So I think our goal is doable. We just have to keep passing on the young bucks and wait on a shooter.  

[schlupis]

Wow thats a lot of land and sounds like you guys are doing things right and everybody is on the right page so good luck this year...

[cannycorn2000]

A buck and two does.

[JPH]

ORIGINAL: JPH

My goals are a bit complicated b/c I hunt two very different properties in two states. I guess that is what QDM is all about, trying to taylor your management to the specific needs of the property.

Iowa:
I hunt a small farm that I have no ability to do habitat mgt. on b/c the owner rents it out for crops and pasture. It does however benifit from being very close to a large and professionaly managed property. There are ample oppertunites for large bucks and an ongoing need for doe control. My plan is to hunt for 3.5 yr old bucks with both my early ML and bow tags. I will take a doe on the last day of ML if need be. Otherwise, I will most likely hold off on does until the Thanksgiving antlerless season, where I hope to take 4-6.

Missouri:
I own a micro timber with one clover plot and my cabin. I have worked hard, given my small budget, to make it deer friendly. The timber is very thick and I use most of it as a sanctuary. I only hunt the edges, on favorable winds. There is a poaching problem in the area and I do not see tremendous numbers. In 5 years there, I have taken 6 does and 0 bucks. At times I have taken the wrong does (the old grandma's). And I have taken them too early in the season, removing potential buck magnets. This year I hope to hold for a 3.5 yr. old buck and wait on does (if any) until the late season. 

Mid/late-season update. I'm batting about 500 on my goals so far.

Iowa:
I did not fill the early ML tag but I did take a buck in the 3.5+ age class with my bow. I still want to take several does over the Thanksgiving season. I hope the crops are out by then or it's going to be tough.

Missouri:
So far, so good. I "lowered my standards" a bit to take a 2.5 yr. old buck with my bow and I took a 3.5 yr. old 8 point on opening day of rifle. I'm really happy with both deer. I'd like to shoot at least one doe, but we'll see. The poaching problem continues.

I plan on doing a little write up on my Micro-QDM experiment at the end of the season. Depending on how it goes, I may even submit it to D&DH. Again, we'll see.

[cannycorn2000]

well done jph