How do you choose which doe?
11-26-2002, 10:02 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Logan Ia USA
Posts: 678
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"
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"
11-26-2002, 10:07 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Montgomery IL USA
Posts: 1,231
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>"I was just wondering which doe to shoot? Why?"</font id=red>
Me? Which ever one goofs up the worst by offering the best shot.
JRW
<font color=red>"I was just wondering which doe to shoot? Why?"</font id=red>
Me? Which ever one goofs up the worst by offering the best shot.
JRW
11-26-2002, 10:11 AM
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Butler, Pa (back home after all these years)
Posts: 920
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
LIFE MEMBER: United Bowhunters of PA, NAHC. NRA
Frank
11-26-2002, 10:23 AM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Logan Ia USA
Posts: 678
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.
" Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad"
" Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad"
11-26-2002, 10:29 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Flowery Branch Ga. 30542
Posts: 823
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
Edited by - Bees on 11/26/2002 11:42:15
Edited by - Bees on 11/26/2002 11:52:22
11-26-2002, 10:30 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Afton IA USA
Posts: 444
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.
KEEP IT LEGAL. KEEP IT SAFE. OR WE MAY NOT GET TO KEEP IT AT ALL.
11-26-2002, 10:56 AM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 7,571
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.
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.
11-26-2002, 11:09 AM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Too close to Chicago
Posts: 3,337
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 @$#%&*ing deer to give me a shot, at least for my first one. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Keep 'em all in the Bull.
I'll buy into the genetics idea, but I'll still shoot the first @$#%&*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.
11-26-2002, 11:19 AM
#9
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blossvale, New York
Posts: 21,199
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.
