I don't really want to argue it any more - really - but..........
Farm hunter, it does NOT bother me at all when someone says they want to shoot larger bucks only. But please don't try to tell us that QDM doesn't have trophy hunting in mind first and foremost.
"QDM guidelines are formulated according to property-specific objectives, goals, and limitations. Participating hunters enjoy both the tangible and intangible benefits of this approach. Pleasure can be derived from each hunting experience, regardless if a shot is fired. What is important is the chance to harvest a quality buck - an opportunity lacking in many areas under traditional management. When a quality buck is taken on a QDM area, the pride can be shared by all property hunters because it was they who produced it by allowing it to reach the older age classes which are necessary for large bodies and antlers."
The 1st paragraph I quoted - was the definition - the Third paragraph that you quoted was
supporting contribution offered by the Author of the Article. Yes the author insinuates that "Quality Whitetails" have larger racks. It is often stated, however, as part of the Sell Job for QDM - here let me show you:
QDM Statement: A deer population with broad representation through several age classes is a much more HEALTHYherd.
Does QDM promote a managment system, (see thedefinition I quoted in previous post) that would allow more deer to move to the older age classes...........YES .............Do older deer generally have larger antlers? .......................Of course they do!........... and thereforeit goes without saying, that under QDM managment (as opposed to traditional deer management) - MORE BUCKS HARVESTED -WILL have larger antlers!
Sure its a sell job for the uninitiated - its also TRUE. I
WILL ALSO tell you again that QDM
DOES NOT have Larger antlers first and foremost as the cornerstone of the management plan.
Is there smoke & mirrors - HELL No!.............. UNDER A QDM MANAGMENT PLAN - MORE DEER WILL LIVE INTO THE OLDER AGE CLASSES - and a more balanced deer population is the result.
QDM is NOT trophy management. It actually, conflicts with Trophy management on many levels.
I do see that not everyone is willing to change their hunting practices - even in my own hunting party. So many of us just want to be able to harvest any buck - that ANY limitations - likey "hurt our chances" - I get it. I'm only saying - keep an open mind to QDM (which may not support statewide Antler Restrictions as was noted) - it will probably be the conerstone of Deer Management in NY in the next 5-10 years, if not sooner.
- Good luck and be safe all you hunters this fall! Make memories that will last a lifetime........and get a Kid involved!
FH