I'm kinda on the same page with Diller. The pro's are obviously there but the Michigan DNR is pretty horrible overall. We have never been checked or asked about our deer or anything. I believe 80% of the bucks in the UP never reach maturity because Michigan hunters kill anytthing that pops out and it is very aggrivating. If QDm was instated in Michigan, it would cause a horrible lapse in the # of deer taken in the near future but within 3-5 years, the herds will be as good as ever with many more mature deer. But then we get the argument of places that already have very low deer herds. How can we prove upon them if the goal is to kill more does but there already isnt enough to go around.

But I do agree, QDM should DEFINITELY be instated but then again, another point one could bring up would be for younger hunters (like myself, 16) and then the elderly people who's condition is not getting better. In a way, QDM kinda takes away from the family feeling of hunting. Sure taking does is just as fine but having to wait until your 25 to take your 1st buck sounds a little harsh. I think it depends a lot on the hunters and their families. In the example I am usuing. Say a 45 year old male and his 12 year old son go hunting and a spike walks by. Of course the father is going to tell the kid to shoot because your 1st deer is a trophyt no matter what. But with QDM, the father cant say "Go ahead and take him, son" but instead "Sorry son, QDM says we gotta shoot at least an 8 pointer." How demoralizing would that be to a 12 year old? "I'm sorry but you cant shoot this buck in front of you which you have a clear shot at for your 1st deer." That stinks. Thats where the experienced hunters should explain these things to younger hunters.

My dad explained to me a few years back before I became a serious hunter that I can;t go around shooting everything I see. I know that I'm not suppose to shoot 3 spikes in 1 year and expect to see monster's every year. I also know that I can't pass up every doe just because I want a buck really bad. The land we hunt is not hunted by the owner or anyone else so we basically manage it. Just last year, my dad saw a big 8 but never got a shot at it. In that piece of land (last years readings) there is 1 big mature guy (8), 2 young bucks (8 and 6), 3-4 forks, and there was 2 spikes. Only one was taken, while about 10 does were taken. Hopefully, that mature guy will end up on my wall in a few weeks. And hopefully those 2 young bucks got a little bigger.

I know that QDM doesnt work overnight, but gosh darn-it, it works. For better deer herds and more mature deer, QDM needs to be instated. The 1st few years WILL be rough, it is very obvious, but the MI DNR really needs to step up.