Yes I believe it can work (although not very easily). QDM is not some mysterious complex equation that many would want you to believe. Simplified, it’s a balance between population & habitat, and an attempt at creating a well structured age class in the herd. A “QDM Program” is not much more than a season and bag limit structure, although it would be more strict. Just because land is “public” doesn’t mean the state should allow a person to shoot whatever they saw fit. If it makes sound biological sense to have greater restrictions (mostly regarding bucks age) then by all means it should be implemented.

Few if anyone would argue about minimum size & creel limits on fish. Few people would care to keep a 7” bass and don’t complain when the law says they can’t. However, the world explodes when the state tries to say you can’t shoot a spike (basically the equivalent of a 7” bass)