I was just telling my dad and brother-in-law yesterday that I wish Ohio would implement an "earn a buck" program. We got on the subject while we were complaining about the lack of rut activity we have seen in the last couple of weeks. We have way too many does in the area at least. Of the 20 plus times I have been in a tree this season, I have seen two spikes, a 4 pointer, a 6 pointer, a small 8 pointer and one large 8 and a large 10. The large 8 and 10 were last night within 10 minutes of each other. I have seen close to 60 different does in this time. I'm sure it's no where near sicentific, but I'm at close to a 10 to 1 ratio. That stinks! I'm sure the bucks in the area aren't even fighting over the does. Shoot, why would they?
If you think about it. You take one doe out of the herd and over the next 4 or 5 years you have taken several deer out. (1 year old doe = 1 fawn first year. fawn has 1 and 2 year old momma has twins. next year, momma has twins and her first has twins.... I'm sure you see where I'm going with this. ) One doe takes out several deer. One buck takes out one. Another buck will step in and breed the does.
Btw, I have two does in the freezer. I'll continue to fill doe tags until my freezer is full and my future inlaws freezer is full. If a buck comes by, good. If not, there is next year.
Go shoot a doe!