We have a good deer population on our 900 acre lease, so our club rules allow two does per member, and up to three bucks. But if you don't score a buck you can take third doe during the last ten days of the season. This gives everyone who wants meat at least three deer per season. I usually get two does and one buck each year, but ended up taking a third doe last year because I was holding out for a real nice buck I'd been seeing on my game camera, and he outsmarted me.

We can take up to three bucks, but nothing under 5 points and only one 5 or 6 pointer. Anything else must be 7 points or more. Most of our 9 members don't shoot the 5 or 6 pointers, and two don't shoot does at all. Because we have a long season and I hunt every weekend - Friday evening through Sunday morning from mid-November until the end of January I can afford to be choosy and only take good shots. My personal rule is to take two does fairly early in the season (we do love our venison) and the first 8-pointer I get a shot at. If I connect with a buck I won't shoot another one unless he is bigger/better/older than the one I've taken.

But to tell you the truth, I'm quite happy making a good shot on a mature doe and a "buckless" season is no great disappointment.