I was wondering how well QDM really works. I see NY is starting to experiment with the idea but is it worth it. I've read some articles that say it's been good for PA but it seems some hunters dont like it. Has it helped PA deer hunting? What about deer that never grow big racks, wouldn't that allow them to breed more and create more bucks that cant be hunted under QDM rules.

Oh boy.

The problem is what is being practiced in Pa,isn't really QDM.

Oh boy o boy!
Some people's reaction =,
others =

Since you are new to this forum, just scroll through the posts and look at anything that has "PA" in it.

OK. I figured I'd get that reaction. I have noticed that some members can't discuss things with out losing all control. But if you don't ask, you wont know. I just hope that everyone realizes that hunters being divided for what ever reason is not good. Weather we agree on things or not, hunters should stick together before everything goes down the sh!ter

Everyone is giving you that reply because this subject has been riden hard and beat to death here!The opinions will very from "great idea" to "this is the dumbest idea on earth."I geuss I'll give my answer,I personally like the idea,BUT I don't wish the state to mandate my wishes and practices on the whole state.Some hunters are not concerned with shooting a large buck,they hunt for meat and the sport of hunting in general,that fine by me![:-]

Charlie P is exactly correct,

The state of Pa can't possibly institute full blown QDM statewide. As many have pointed out here, it's most effctive when practiced on a smaller scale. Pennsylvania is attempting to more properly manage deer numbers with habitat and restore buck doe ratio's to a more natural number. It'll never be true QDM over any area as big as a state including Pa or NY but any large area can be better managed by applying some QDM principles within the limitations of habitat, hunter pressure and landowner concerns. Pa is trying to undo years of mismanagement and years of developing the wrong mentality among deer hunters as a whole. The concept of "any buck is better than a doe" just won't die with a few.


In on sentence. It aint perfect yet, probably never will, be but it's better than it was.

Thanks for the input. After hearing things about PA deer hunting and the PGC, QDM kinda had me worried. I dont want to see NY make the same mistakes if thats what they are. BTBowhunter, good luck with your evil twin.

Thanks NYMAD1

Hopefully other states can learn from PA's pioneering the way. Including learning from our mistakes.

The evil twin is evil but harmless. Kinda like PETA, no one pays any attention to the fanatics. Harmless and mildly amusing.

NY, QDM, does work if properly applied. There are alot of factors involved with proper QDM. You must have a positive, and determined attitude, in order to succed in QDM. Herd genectics, quality food sources, and herd manegement, are major factors in having excellent QDM. After my move, I plan on doing some QDM on my family land. I have been reading many articles and a book called "Grow Em Right" , which have pointed me in the direction of proper manegement. It can be done, and Pa and NY should look into these practices

I agree with Charlie - a 3 pt/side antler restriction has nothing to do with QDM. I would guess at least 1/2 the 3 pt/side bucks in our area are 1 1/2. Many of the remainder are still only 2 1/2 and still far from both maturity and potential.

Total points are not even close to being an indicator of maturity. Those that want to see true mature deer make this much harder than it needs to be. Don't shoot the younger ones and encourage and educate others to do the same. DO NOT try to force the trophy mentality on the majority of hunters who get out a few days a year, hope to see a few deer, and maybe get the chance to take one.

Steve