Just to be clear, in your area, what do you consider the best method of deer management?

Without argument, simply tell us the state you live in, and what you think needs to be done for you to be a happy hunter. PLEASE NO ARGUING!

I'll go first so you have an idea as to what I mean;

I think NJ is on the right track for deer management. We have been over-populated in most zones with far too many does. Since the state has incorporated Earn-a-buck in many of these zones, I have seen a reduction in the amount of does. The habitat has bounced back to an extent, and other wildlife is starting to thrive. However, there are a few areas in which there are still too many does, we need to formulate a plan to further reduce the does in these areas. Browse in these areas is severely depleted, and may need help to regenerate.

The bucks in NJ need to be protected by the amount hunters are allowed to harvest. Currently a hunter utilizing all the available tags can kill 6 bucks per year. This number is far too high. To see an increase in the size and age of bucks we should limit the number to 3, if using all weapons/seasons. Or perhaps one firearm buck tag, and one archery buck tag.

Harvests need to be reduced in a few select areas, this should include does. Areas such as the extreme North (zone 1) need this reduction in harvests.

Other areas such as the urban areas need a special season and approach to managing the ever-growing, overpopulated number of deer. We need to reduce the size of safety zones, and possibly incorporate a special urban bowhunting season. The state should gain access and permission for specially licensed hunters to these areas. Allowing them to harvest the excess deer.

Its my belief that the NJ management plan has been on the right track for several years now. However, these minor changes would help us to manage the herd even better. Allowing hunters the opportunity at fewer bucks, but eventually more quality bucks. While balancing the herd, and reducing it to numbers suitable for the habitat, and residents surrounded by the abundant amount of deer, through a more aggressive urban approach at doe harvests.