ORIGINAL: LebeauHunter
HuntingBry,
QDM does not set its goal at a 1:1 ratio.
Based on Deer Management 101, an ideal herd is logically 1:1, but QDM recognizes that, as you said, this would result in a small deer herd and less sightings, therefore less hunting satisfaction. So the book says that a common target is often a 2:1 doe to buck ratio. In most places the ratio is now at 3 or 4 or more to 1 due to overhunting bucks.
The book does talk about trophy management, which shoots for 1:1 or even a reverse ratio. You want all your nutrients going to the bucks and it makes the rut super intense, etc. But this was beyond basic QDM and is for places that can absolutely control their herd (fences) and have a lot of time and money.
HuntingBry, read your post on the other QDM thread and agree with what you are saying. The biologists would prefer 1:1, but need the hunter (the "trigger"), so they try to keep them happy with higher ratios.
Very good point. I haven't read that book, but it sounds like an interesting read. I may have to check it out. Also, you said QDM does not set its goal at a 1:1 ratio. That depends on who you talk to. You reference the book which sounds like it is very hunting oriented. If you talk to a whitetail biologist, he/she will most likely say that a 1:1 ratio is ideal.
Personally, I don't think it is realistic to hope for a 1:1 ratio and a herd within the carrying capacity. Whitetails are tenacious survivors and adaptable to so many environments that they are bound to overpopulate without herd management. Sounds like another species I can think of.