On the subject of shootin does, last i checked, they tasted just as good as bucks (maybe better).

Now, on to the subject of baiting. Might as well throw my hat into the ring.

I think there are misconceptions about baiting. First of all, i hunt over a feeder. Thats right folks, its legal where i hunt, in fact most everybody in the area uses a feeder.

This is point number 1, in some areas hunters may be disadvantaged by not using a feeder. Now, some of you may say that a feeder is always an advantage because it brings them in for miles. Well, ive gotta tell you, that is not the case.

This brings us to point number 2, the deer would much rather eat acorns and tree buds than deer corn.

Now this brings up a question to me, if I was to plant some corn, or say hunt next to some corn, would that be any different than spreading corn with a feeder?

Really a feeder does no good if there are no deer around. Usually, it does little more than make them pause long enough to get a good leathal shot (i have NEVER chased a deer(.270 does wonders)).

I think this is a good time to clear up a misconception, that feeders are feeding year round. I dont know about you, but #1 i cant afford to, and #2 why would you want to? (now this question excludes all land management people, because i could see some good reasons to feed all year round in a management situation). Now I have never fed all year round, and so maybe i'm missing out on one of the secrets of baiting, but all i know is that mine only feeds 3 months out of the year (and it runs out of corn half of the time), and it works fine.

Personally, (now this is the serious opinion part of the essay) I do not understand why simply placing food out for the deer is any different than hunting a food or water supply. Hasnt man ALWAYS used his brain, or tools to gain an advantage when hunting deer? I mean, if we were to resort back to spears and loin cloths, wouldn't we still be creating an advantage for ourselves with the spears? Please explain to me the difference between using the animal's urge to eat, and using doe piss to use their urge to mate? Aren't these both animal instincts that we exploit to increase our chances of getting food against a foe that has better eyesight, hearing and sense of smell? If we remove all implements that give us an advantage (bows, arrows, guns, warm clothes, scent free underwear, camoflauge, binoculars, tree stands, knives) then have we not removed the very thing that puts man above beast? the ability to think, adapt, and change.

(to be continued)