shed1

Jeff,

I am pulling my hair out here....So, this could take me a while. After days of reading posts and thinking this over I would like to add my thoughts. I have spent a good third of my life studying life science and wildlife biology and all of my life hunting. I hold a bachelors of science degree in biology and am currently working on my masters in wildlife biology and resource management via Montana State University. My point is, I feel I have a complete comprehension of the philosophies, concepts,principles and purposes of QDM.

For everyone else who has reservations about QDM, I would ask you to take a good hard look at the facts. Like Jeff has written, (I couldnt have stated it any better) QDM is not about trophy hunting.

QDM is far more concerned with herd health than it is with the size of an animals rack. Heck with quality management...maximum antler growth has a chance. Nice antlers are simply a bi-product of the management plan. Of course there will be "ranches" motivated by revenue that a big rack can bring in todays "buy a buck society", but what about all of us public land hunters or small private land owners or buddies that have leased a piece of land to hunt? A consistent application of QDM in these hunting areas will ensure a higher quality of hunting, deer herd health and enhanced habitat for years to come. What is wrong with that?

There wouldnt be much of a debate in my opinion if everyone was thoroughly educated on the concepts and principles of QDM. If you poll hunters....the majority of hunters care deeply for the well being of the animals in their hunting areas and across this great continent. They want future generations to enjoy a quality hunting experience.

Most commercial hunting ranches place their #1 priority on big antlers. Would I hunt a high dollar ranch that held tame or even steroid fed critters ? No! But, I dont have a problem with a ranch practicing QDM as long as fair chase is a top priority. What constitutes fair chaise is a whole other issue.

Personally, I have never hunted anything but public land and the more I do and talk with fellow hunters and research other areas, the more I recognize how much QDM is greatly needed in areas like I hunt. It doesnt take rocket science to understand why so many public land hunting areas are over populated with does, imbreeding is a common occurance and carring capacities are exhausted. Very few mature bucks take part in the breeding process which in turn allows for less adaptable genetics to be passed on. Yes that is a fact. SUPERIOR DNA DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ADAPTIBILITY OF ANY SPECIES.

IHW,
SHED



Edited by - shed1 on 01/25/2002 15:48:24