yeoman

You may have the answer to your questions burried in your observations and study. The primary ingredient for quality bucks in most of the lower 48 is age, followed by genetics and last by nutrition. We're talking again about most areas of the country. The reason why it is important to provide the highest quality habitat is to attract those dominant (alpha) does you mention. They will take residence on your property for fawning and likely remain unless driven out or killed. A dominant doe will most successfully ward off younger bucks at breeding time waiting for a dominant male, and, if there is one within miles, he will come. She is your calling card. The dominant doe will cycle sooner than a younger doe and draw many suitors. Let them walk, and you will improve your chance of seeing a 2 1/2 year old or better buck. She may not be visited by a dominant male in the first cycle so be out there when she cycles again 30 days later. Expect her to first cycle as early as 2-3 weeks prior to your "peak" rut date. Good luck. It sounds like you have an excellent property for QDM. If you shoot lots of does with one or no young, you'll do your program a world of good. Most dominant does will successfully bear 2 or more fawns.