How do you choose which doe?
 

First of all let me say that I don't believe everything I read.

That being said I read an article by a deer biologist that suggested that the genetics of the does in the herd have as much to do with the quality of the bucks as the bucks do.

It seemed to make sense to me at the time. I understand the philosophy of letting the young bucks walk so they can grow bigger but am wondering what everyone does for the does?

Do you usually pick the mature does or go for one of those many little does that seem to be running around our area?

Would seem to me that it could be just as important to let the mature does walk as the young bucks. If they have made it through a few years they have to have something going for them in the gene department.

Not tring to start a heated discussion (although I can see how this could end up there).

I was just wondering which doe to shoot? Why?

" Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad"

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

Seeing as half of the genetics of a deer come from the doe, that would make sense.

<font color=red>&quot;I was just wondering which doe to shoot? Why?&quot;</font id=red>

Me? Which ever one goofs up the worst by offering the best shot. :)

JRW

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I also thought about this. If you want MATURE bucks why not MATURE does also. SO, in theory why not shoot the younger does so that all the mature animals Breed. Just a thought. who's next? :)


LIFE MEMBER: United Bowhunters of PA, NAHC. NRA

Frank

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I got to thinking about this mostly because I have let alot of little does walk to take a nice mature deer. In late bow season and late muzzleloader you will see herds of 50+ deer around our area and at least 40 of these will be those little does and spikes.


&quot; Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad&quot;

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

Since I can't tell what the genic make up of a doe, or any deer for that matter, is just buy looking at it. What difference does it make which one I shoot. Just because it is large or small doesn't mean it has good or bad genes. My answear is I take the one that I can when I can and don't think about it anymore than that. Same for a buck that meets the legal requirements of the State that I'm hunting in.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - Bees on 11/26/2002 11:42:15

Edited by - Bees on 11/26/2002 11:52:22

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I agree. I'd shoot the younger does. Their meat is more tender anyways. Besides, the mature does around here are breeding 2 or 3 fawns every year. I say, shoot the younger ones if you can and let the mature ones keep stocking the herd.

KEEP IT LEGAL. KEEP IT SAFE. OR WE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP IT AT ALL.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

That is actually a good question and something to consider.

For me however, I see does as food. I usually will only shot mature does, however I have had requests from my wife on occasion to shoot a smaller deer. It's not something that I usually do however.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I'm not really the one to ask, as I am still waiting for my first.
I'll buy into the genetics idea, but I'll still shoot the first @$#%&*ing deer to give me a shot, at least for my first one. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Keep 'em all in the Bull.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I would think if you want to cut the herd you'd shoot the older doe. She's more likely to have twins and tripplets. The younger ones will usually only have one the first year. If you're not concerned about putting a dent in the herd I guess it doesn't matter. Big ones are easier to KNOW for sure you're not shooting a button.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

Try and shoot the largest one or first good size one that gives me the shot.

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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.

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>

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.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

i agree with ohio bowhunter. am seeing the same thing here where i hunt in ky. i will shoot mature does instead of young ones just to make sure i dont shoot button bucks.

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.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I'm with Bowhunter75. I see does here in SW IA seeking out bucks! Depends on your doe numbers. I take older does because I want the numbers down.

THWACK!

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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.

&quot; Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad&quot;

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

SHOOT THE BIGGIN'......

http://community.webshots.com/user/jimmymo32

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I take the biggest doe I get a shot at.

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

Well for the most part I will go as JRW and shoot the one that presents the best shot, if I have a choice I will take the larger doe.

I will concur that genetically speaking some does produce bigger bucks than others, but I have yet to see one with thier blood line on them for me to determine who has the better genes!

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: How do you choose which doe?
 

I shoot the nicest size doe that presents me with a shot.