ORIGINAL: loanstarhunter
I have been hunting a farm in east Texas for the past 2 years (for free)and they asked me if I would take up wildlife managemet on the property (500 ac) low fenced. Of course I accepted the challange. However, I do not think they are going to give me full range of mgmt. Mostly in the area of deer harvesting to bring the ratio down. The old man isold school, and does not think you should shoot does.
I am familiar with some aspects of mgmt. but would like to know if there are any publications that could assist me in this venture or if anyone has some imput, specifically on what is considered a cull buck. The property is overrun with spikes, 4pt and some without brow tines.
This would be a part time operation, as I have a full time job that pays the bills.
They are interested inimproving the quality of what they have and not so much of growing monster deer. I know there needs to be at least 2 food plots on the property and protien and heard reduction and some serious culling.
Any advise or direction would be great.
First off, DON'T cull any bucks! Those bucks may be spikes because they are being born late in the year due to a skewed Buck to Doe ratio. There are many cases of "Cull Spikes" that grew to be Boone and Crockett size whitetails( See Charlie Alsheimer, and John Ozoga's research.
Secondly: You need to determine the carrying capacity of the land. That means finding out how many deer the property can hold WITHOUT supplemental feeding At the worst time of the year. (Summer for you?)
Buy this book:
Producing quality Whitetails BY Al Brothers and Murphy Ray jr.
And this book:
Quality Whitetails, The why and how of Whitetail Management, By Karl V. Miller and Larry Marchinton.
Any books by
James C Kroll and Grant Woods also.
The "old man" Has to learn that EVERY management situation requires shooting Does.
Have fun, and remember you can't unkill a deer. It's better to let them live one more year and take them out later on if it is deemed necessary.
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