ORIGINAL: jackflap
original:txjourneyman
I can't shoot does on my lease in the late season. They aren't legal after Nov 16th. If my freezer was empty I would shoot. If my freezer was low I would shoot. If I had 2 deer in the freezer I would think about it and then shoot.
I understand what you are saying, but if my freezer was empty or low, I would assume you would still have a buck tag. If that is the case, I definitely pass the 3.5yo and wait and try and shoot a 1.5yo buck instead.
original:OHbowhntr
What is
that ridiculous rule for??? Trying not to kill fawns in the womb???
Sorry, I just thought that sounds like a very stupid rule. Especially if they are trying to manage a herd.
Thats not ridiculous at all. There are some areas in Texas, including the area where he is referring to, that does not have a population problem and in fact is below carrying capacity. This is TPWD way of managing the herd, but trying to make sure that doe herd reduction doesn't get overdone in this particular area.
Also it may have to do with the fact that in 4 years of bowhunting I have never killed a mature buck. My best is a 2 1/2 yo 7 point that was about 85". I have never considered myself a trophy hunter. I have always been a meat hunter. That 3 1/2 yo with no rack would provide a lot more meat than a 1 1/2 yo. Some day,(soon!), I will kill a large racked mature buck. My outlook may change at that point. I won't know until I get there.