RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

If you call the way bilogists use and talk about mathmatical models to study whitetail population dynamics "crap" then I suggest you go to the library and begin your eduaction on the subject.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

I'm simply saying contribute to the thread. Are you trying to impress us all with you self proclaimed boilogical knowledge??? :([&:]:D:D

Like I said, I'm open for a real discusion of the facts and how we can get more hunters to use their heads and start helping the herds instead of being part of the problem. It just seems that the same batch of wankers get on these thread and all they want to do is start a fight just to do it. Please don't waste everyones time..... try helping and informing someone.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

Last I checked, this is a hunting forum where all are welcome to express their opinions and share there experiences. Also last I checked I didn't see Moderator by your name.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

and I see that reply was as educated and informed as your views on QDM are. [>:]:(

put up or shut, get informed and contribute, stop the pissin' matches please [:'(]

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

I dont understand why we have to resort to name calling. "knuckle-heads"? I mean come on....what is this the three stooges? nyuck nyuck nyuck. Dont make me call my lawyers... Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe.

Its quite obvious that some people will always be against QDM, and some people will always be for it. To argue, and name call is silly though.

In my opinion, hunters oppossing QDM aren't understanding it well enough, and are not giving it a fair chance. Most supporters of QDM, do NOT support antler restrictions. Not only for the reason you mentioned, but because of the fact that, it still allows the young bucks with better genes to be taken.

Concerns of 6 year old 4 pointers on public lands are quite unfounded though. The majority of bucks on public land do not survive past their 2nd year of life. Though I cant find the numbers, I recall that 1.5 year old bucks consist of upwards of 90% , the total buck harvest.

So honestly now, how many 6 year old bucks are running around the woodlots? I believe studies have shown the number is close to 1% of the total herd in the average pressured hunting area.

It baffles me how hunters with no concern for the size of antlers though, worry about the older bucks eating all the forage, and reducing the size of the younger deers antler potential. ???

QDM is not TDM!
QDM is simply the best way to manage deer herds to a socially and environmentally acceptable level. To argue with that, is to argue science. Shooting less young bucks, and more does balances out the herd more evenly. The overharvesting of young bucks, and bucks in general has gone on for MANY years. To see an increase in the health and balance of the deer herds, we NEED to harvest more does, and less bucks. States nationwide are seeing the benefits of QDM and are incorporating it into their harvest strategies.

I can see how most hunters would have a problem with practicing TDM (trophy deer management) as it requires a lot of work, and tons of restraint on the hunters part. Planting food plots, and passing bucks as old as 4.5. But to oppose QDM, is to say you dont care about the future of our deer herds and habitat. Only caring about the "NOW" and what we can shoot "NOW". That is selfish in my eyes.

Finally, to say that qdm is "raising" deer as if its a deer farm is rediculous. The comparison is so silly I had to laugh for a good five minutes, and then wipe the tears of laughter away before writing this. Why let anything reach its potential then? Why strive for any kind of progress? Lets cut down the saplings before they get to be big trees, blocking the sunlight, and reducing forage. Why not shoot all the bucks when they are button bucks? I dont want to "RAISE" them. I might as well just stop working out now too, I wouldnt want to RAISE muscles, or why shoot my bow, I dont want to RAISE my level of accuracy. Heck, I shouldnt try to learn anything either, I dont want to RAISE my IQ. Infact lets get rid of the schools...We are RAISING our children to be smarter.
Its so silly.....I hope you were kidding.

QDM is the way of the future, it is not an idea based soley on opinions. It is based on scientific facts, facts that allow us to reach the most balanced herd we can. It is the best way to manage the deer herds, their habitat, and the health of surrounding wildlife populations. Allowing hunters to benefit from the larger, healthier deer, and the landowners and motorists to benefit from the decreased amount of deer.

By the way, THANKS to ALL who have answered my questions so far. I think it is leaning towards my original beliefs, that older hunters, either more set in their ways, or in a different phase of their hunting careers are more likely to oppose QDM than hunters in their middle years of hunting.

Nothing wrong with that, and it makes sense. I just wonder if the younger hunters, who now want QDM and larger bucks, will someday cross over to oppose it. Any thoughts on that? Did anyone who has been hunting for many years ever want bigger bucks, or were you always fulfilled through merely the hunt?

Have a good one---Matt

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

1. What is your age? 53
2. How many years have you been bowhunting? 30+ with bow, 40+ all others.

3. Do you hunt with any other weapons? Rifle, shotgun, mz

4. How many years have you hunted with those weapons? 40+ rifle, 30+shotgun, only a few years with mz.

5. Are you for, or against QDM? I am not against QDM per say but I oppose any mandatory state run enforcement of antler restriction. I don't think a "trophy" mentality is good for the sport.

6. Would you like to see bigger bucks in your area, if there was no work on your part? Certainly, but like somebody else said at what cost?

7. Would you travel to another state, or another woodlot in your state in search of a bigger buck? No. I'm happy just hunting on my own land. I take a pretty nice buck now and then but I'm not driven by antlers.

8. What do you consider a successful hunting season? Just being there.

9. Do you harvest animals for food, or for management of the herd/habitat? I just love to hunt. Everything else is a bonus.

10. Do you consider yourself a "hardcore" hunter (scouting and map reading year round)?
Or do you consider yourself a "casual" hunter(the majority of your time is spent actually hunting, scouting and prep are limited to a month or two before and/or after the season.) Pretty hard core especially now. I recently retired and can now spend all the time I want in the woods.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

I believe there are alternatives to QDM that may better accomplish the goals. Limiting the total buck harvest for example is a method that increases the chances of all age class bucks to advance another year not just the 1 1/2 year olds. In other words regulate buck harvest just like the doe harvest. You can take any size buck IF you have a permit to do so. This method has a better chance of increasing the true trophy potential of the 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 year olds. Problem is its been tradition for so long, a lot of hunters won't accept the possibility of being denied a buck tag.

For those that didn't read the article I posted, some biologists are beginning to believe that a random but limited taking of buck is better than the selective buck harvest that QDM adovacates for improving overall quality and age distribution.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

I guess I don't understand something.

I live in Maine. Other than the amount of antlerless permits given each year, our state does not have any other control. Our deer herd is growing every year, despite hunters shooting more deer than yearbefore, (Usually) We have large deer, bucks, that have large bodies and big antlers, killed on a regular basis.

So, without QDM, why is it working here?

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

Seems to work in Ohio too. 4th in the nation for Pope & Young, lots of deer and lots of hunters yet no AR.

RE: If you KNOW, then why don't you?
 

yep, I used to live in Ohio, maybe God has a better plan than the biologists.