How do you choose which doe?
11-26-2002, 12:47 PM
#12
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Summerfield OH USA
Posts: 798
RE: How do you choose which doe?
I normally harvest only mature does.I prefer to keep my doe numbers down.A mature doe will normally have two fawns.If the ideal condition for proper management is keeping the buck to doe ratio even this makes sence.In the area I hunted today I saw 18 does and only one buck today.None of the hunters have seen a mature buck since the rut came in.Why!They have no need to search for hot does.With this many does around the does are searching out the bucks.Some people think I'm crazy for saying that,but I've seen to many mature bucks bedded with a half a dozen mature does at one time.These guys see the big boys every year in the early season and than they never see them again once the rut comes in.Another area I've hunted for years has a much beeter ratio.We have taken does every year to keep it that way.We have let the young bucks walk and now when the rut comes in you can see as many as 11 bucks a day searching out does.
11-26-2002, 12:58 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greenville SC USA
Posts: 656
RE: How do you choose which doe?
I'm no expert here and never thought about the question. The does I take are the ones who offer a shot without seeing me. But since it's asked, what does lead the nice bucks around? Most bucks prior to the rut (that I've seen) are following does to pick out danger (I assume). With that said, an old doe is smart and can outfox alot of hunters. So if some smart ones are cleaned out, the not-as-smart (less-experienced) ones will be leading the bucks right past your stand!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
11-26-2002, 01:30 PM
#14
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Harford Co Maryland USA
Posts: 4,966
RE: How do you choose which doe?
I prefer to shoot mature deer (of either sex) because they're more of a challenge and provide more meat. This year was a little different for me and I did shoot a couple that were smaller than I like to take. However, the last one I shot was a big old girl!
Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.
Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.
11-26-2002, 01:38 PM
#16
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Sheridan AR USA
Posts: 73
RE: How do you choose which doe?
I have read that the best doe to kill for management purposes is an old doe because they no longer produce fawns and they dominate the food resources that could be going to other deer. How in the heck you can tell in the field a doe is too old to produce fawns I don't know. I do know that I have seen some big does that were as wary and smart as a buck. A lot of times they will be leading a whole pack of does.
11-26-2002, 06:40 PM
#19
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Logan Ia USA
Posts: 678
RE: How do you choose which doe?
I am like most of you here, when it comes to shooting does I would pick the biggest deer out.
I was just wondering if anyone was taking into consideration which doe?
I also was wondering if the author was trying to get his name elevated by writing something different than the norm. Most deer managment talks about the need to shoot does but seldom do they mention which would be the best to shoot and why.
" Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad"
I was just wondering if anyone was taking into consideration which doe?
I also was wondering if the author was trying to get his name elevated by writing something different than the norm. Most deer managment talks about the need to shoot does but seldom do they mention which would be the best to shoot and why.
" Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad"
11-26-2002, 07:24 PM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Morrisdale PA USA
Posts: 346
RE: How do you choose which doe?