They do that here, John....at a place that's fenced in and allows no hunting. they're not selective, either. But...let's look at it this way......they're reducing the population by (X) amount of deer. They're controlling the numbers the ONLY way they can. I think QDM gives hunters an "alternative" method of herd control....with bigger racked bucks being a side-effect. You have to rememebr, too.....that hunters in most states don't have the: a) time or b) tags to achieve what mass kill-offs can achieve in one fell swoop. The pop. control (non-QDM) don't care about herd dynamics. They care about carrying capacity.

Now....I'm interested in helping out the carrying capacity of the land I have limited control over. With MY resources......(a bow and arrow).....what's the most efficient method for ME to achieve my goal? Would it be to target all animals? Or...would it make more sense for me to target the ones that are reproducing?

If my buck/doe ratio was near healthy levels.....and pop. control was my goal.....you are 100% correct. I shouldn't be choosy. I have to get the most bang for my buck, though (no pun intended). Let's just say I shoot the first 15 deer that offer me shots.....in a scenario of PURE herd reduction. I shoot 10 does and 5 bucks (of varying ages). I have taken out (for next year's numbers) 5 deer that will definitely not be in the herd (bucks) and the potential for 20+ for next year's herd count (does). If I use the same scenario....but shoot 15 does......well....you do the math. In other words....targeting does is MY best friend in my quest. Seeing larger racked bucks will be a welcomed side-effect.

I won't speak for "national" QDM. I only speak for my scenario. Do "I" think the REAL goal of the national QDM is all about the overall health of the deer herd? Nope. I think your assertions are correct in many ways. I also think my scenario is not unique.