NORTHJEFF, I like your views on this subject very well stated and written. NICE JOB I am with ya

Brian

Culling a 3 1/2 year old basket rack is something that can only happen in a very controlled private land situation. That's why there are, logically, different levels of QDM. For instance, with a million hunters in Pa there's only so much that can be done. Everything here in PA is going to be a compromise to what most of us would call true QDM. We can however, accept the limitations that can't be changed and work QDM into our management plan to the extent that it's realistic and feasible.

ADDA BOY Btbowhunter nice job again.

brian

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If you pat him on the back any harder... he might fall over. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

I agree with him also.

-DT

WOW, guys, do you realize that this is pretty much the first Pennsylvania management discussion that hasn't turned sour. MAN, this is awsome. This post is getting more enjoyable. Anyways, I see everyone's point, and after reading the QDM page, I see your point. I was just stating what the movie said. I would have to say that any sound management is good. If it makes the deer healthier.

North Jeff, I don't know if anyone will leave hunting because of this. I may complain alot, but there is NO WAY I am going to quit hunting, it is too enjoyable. I guess some of the true meat hunters might quit. I do think that this whole program is partially in place because of money. It is a great way for our underfunded Game Commission to earn some money.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
&quot;Hunting is not a sport, it is a passion, it is a WAY OF LIFE&quot;

If you've a been little bit observant the last few days, it's not too hard to understand why this thread hasn't &quot;turned sour&quot; I applaud all who have kept this one civil<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hmmm, I wonder why, hmmmm, I have NO IDEA, hahahahahahahaha, I am a little devil.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
&quot;Hunting is not a sport, it is a passion, it is a WAY OF LIFE&quot;

I firmly believe culling would have a place in QDM, if the situation dictated and allowed for the improvement of the heard, most likely in an inclosure. Different areas of the country, different areas of various states, and certain properties could probably &quot;step up&quot; their various levels of QDM.

Unfortunately, hunters like to use &quot;culling&quot; as an excuse to shoot any off-racked 3 or 4 point, and call it a 3.5 year old. That's why culling does not generally have a place in open hunting land becuase it's either used as an excuse, hunters don't have enough knowledge to determine what to call, and it's way beyond QDM's goals to protect the yearling bucks.

I know a professional game manager down in AL who manages many private herds within inclosures. They almost always wait to 3.5 years old to determine what to cull. The diffence with them, compared to the average hunter, is that they most likely watched and photographed that buck 100's of times before they made a dicision.

Again, I think culling is just an excuse to shoot, the majority of the time.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

I would have to agree with you there Jeff. Not enough people can accurately guess the age of a buck moving through the woods. Most culling would be done by people who just want to shoot a buck. Like you said, it is only a sure-fire method when the deer are monitored from their birth.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
&quot;Hunting is not a sport, it is a passion, it is a WAY OF LIFE&quot;

This has been one of the more enjoyable threads to partisapate in. No bad mouthing or anything. Wonder why <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> We all just want a healthy deer heard and that is a good thing. PA droptine I hear ya lol
Brian