This fall is the first year I've posted the 54 acres of property that my family ownes. I did so becasue the locals have in past years driven the property relentlessly. There are other large tracts of posted land that border our property and ultimately the deer end up there because they can find reprieve from the incessant pressure. So far this year it has been good hunting. I've seen many deer and the deer seem normal (not spooked) and are holding up on our property.

Now this is where it gets tricky. I was leaving the woods on Satuday and when I get back to my car (I park at a neighbors house out of convience, I have parking to my property but I get busted by the deer when I access my stand) the neighbor invites me in (which isn't uncommon) so I go in and he has a bunch of his friends over who just showed up from hunting. I hung out about an hour and BS about hunting and other things with my neighbor and his friends and the entire time I was waiting for the "question" . I've got 50 acres of prime hunting and these guys have been "pounding the woods all season and haven't tagged out yet. The firearm season ended Sunday so I dodged the bullet so to speak this year but I'm guessing that next year they will be looking for permission to access my property.

These guys are all cool and I'd likely hunt with them but I'm hesitant to let them in. Reasons being are:
1) They are all hunting with guns. Small "pushes" are the norm from what I gather from our conversations.
2) In New Hampshire (the managment zone my property is in specifically) is buck/doe the first two days of the season and then buck only the rest of the season. These guys are "meat hunters" and would gladly shoot spikes and baskets that I routinely pass on.

These guys are locals and have shared the rumors of a monster buck that frequents the farm across the street(which is also posted). They all expressed interest in getting access to hunt this buck but in the same breath talk about shooting small bucks and spikes. I made an attempt to discuss QDM but it didn't fly. The problem is if they don't get a doe on day one or two (which are midweek I might add) they are forced to shoot a buck and they don't care to pass a legal deer because they may not see another durring the rest of the season.

I refraimed from ramming QDM down their thoat but brought the subject up and hoped that they might show interest. I guess what I'm getting at is I liked the guys and am sure we'd have fun hunting together but I don't want to open up my property to have spikes and other small bucks shot but at the same time I wouldn't mind bringing them in for the couple days of buck/doe to thin out the does a bit. A couple of the guys mentioned they were interested in getting into archery.

Do you think it would be better to keep the property as it is (bow only, and QDM which is my preference) and just clearly law down the law if they want access. Or should I(if asked) invite then to thin does on the either or days (which I feel is kinda cheap).

I'm a bit torn. It may be they'll never ask but if they do I don't want to be "the jerk".
My priorities are to
A) not shoot small bucks
B) not drive the property

If you've read this entire post (sorry for the length) I'd love to get your thoughts. This is a case where the law forces them to do what I don't want done on my property(shoot bucks with antlers greater then 3"). I'd love help thining the does a bit but fear this will open it up for a free for all when I'm not there(I live a ways from the property and was only there 15-20 times througout the 3 month season and I arrive at very predictable times)

Your thought on the matter are greatly appreciated.
Adams