From everything I've read, I understandQDM as being a philosophy that puts the deer herd in balance with the habitat and also within itself. It provides a proper age structure and buck to doe ratio within the herd. And basically it boils down to shooting only mature bucks regardless of size. There is no "Culls" or anything like that. Age base only. So yes those young 4-6 and even 8's are to let walk. I think they also encourage mature does to be taken out as well, but I am not quite sure they are as adamant about that part since many does need taken and you may not be able to reach the quota by only shooting mature ones.