RE: Deer under pressure?
Pressure is certainly a “relative” term, and I don’t know if it can be completely quantified. I do think some people who consider their hunting lands pressured, really have never seen how bad the hunting pressure can be. While yes it can be measured to an extent by the hunter/huntable acreage, I think there are many other intangible and non-specific pressures that come into play. Quad riders, spotlighting, firewood cutting, people walking dogs(or just letting them roam) etc all have an impact but aren’t hunter specific. Then account other species being hunted as well. I believe TJF gets his spots POUNDED by bird hunters. Say hypothetically he’s the only deer hunter there….you’d think it was heaven with no pressure. But then factor in say 6 bird hunters, 3 dogs covering every sq foot looking for pheasant. The pressure factor skyrockets.
Then factor in individual hunters/styles. A sneaky, route conscious, scent conscious, stand hunter will have less an impact than a bumbling fool strolling thru bedding areas daily.
Despite being in PA, and my hunting areas getting hammered, I do feel I don’t have it THAT bad compared to other people I know in this state/area. It can be hit and miss. I’ve gone out in gun season and had 13 guys on less than 100 acres. And maybe 65 of that wooded. Other times I’ve gone out and seen maybe 4, and 3 of them wouldn’t be more than 50 yds from the road. I was rather surprised at the amount of pressure during our late season. I normally am tagged out by then, but this year I was out a good bit. EVERY day I was out, mobs of guys were driving massive areas. Most of it posted & they would still scoot right thru. I was amazed.