I'll admit I only made it to page 15 so I apologize if I'm stating something already mentioned.[/align][/align]In MA the law says you have to have a "portion" of the animal showing until it gets checked. Personally I put the deer in the bed of my truck with the gate up and use a bungee on the hind leg so that only the hoof and about 2 inches of leg/hide shows. Once it's tagged I keep the gate up and leg inside.[/align][/align]I'll admit I do it for the sole reason of keeping the deer out of the eyes of anti's and fencers so it doesn't cause any problems. It's just one of those things taught (suggested) to me when I took my Hunters Ed course years ago that has stuck with me. They also suggested not to walk/drive around in blaze/camo. That's a little too pc for though. But when I'm dressed that way I go out of my way to be courteous to everyone I cross paths with. I don't do it for the anti's but if I happen across a fencer and my actions change their opinion of hunters one teeny bit than great.[/align][/align]I don't agree with your opinion (and especially not your redneck/yankee comments), but I understand where you're coming from. Like everyone else my problem is with the legislation part of it. I'd suggest trying to work with your Fish & Game Department first. If they feel it's necessary they may be able to talk to the right people and do the right things to get it done out of the publics eye. I would imagine you'd hate to see a headline that read "Hunter works tocreate tougher hunting laws." which is exactly how an anti would write it up if they caught wind of you working with your local legislators IMO. It would be somewhat like a gun owner pushing for tougher gun/ammunition sales. You may shoot yourself in the foot (no pun intended) trying to do what you think is right for the sport.[/align][/align]A little OT, but I say leave the deer on the side of the highways so everyone will realize thedangers of the growing deer population and need to keep the herd sizes in check.[/align]

Funny--I was going to say the same thing to you. I made my point and you obviously don't concur. The only reason I continued on that vein was in answeringthe questions and objections you raised.I have been explaining this mind set because people act like they do for a reason, and this regression in culture is a definite factor in why people react the way they dowhen they seehunters or their kills.And it is also why I won't be bowing to the PC crowd anytime soon--my boat won't float down that river.Your dealing with people that ram fishing vessels, trash animal shelters, slash paint on people that wear fur, run chicken trucks off the road,etc.with no regard for the damage they cause or the lives they endanger---I don't know how that covering up a deer is going to have a whole lot of effect on them.I think you have to goa little bit deeper in your understanding to find out why they do what they do, rather than react to a surface problem in a shallow fashion.It takes disarming them at the root cause to have any lasting effect--and that root cause is in their mind set that allows for them to act the way they do.Postmodern thought is at the root of the problem whether you recognize it or not. Until you determine why someone acts the way they do--you'll never be able to address it adequately.
As for the ones that don't hunt and are not really opposed to it, I have dealt with scores of these people. Some may not have the stomach for hunting, but that is easily overcome with a little enlightening and careful explanation of the hunting ethic, and siding with them in their objections to the peope that hunt for 'horns' only, or the slob hunters who are cavalier in their insensitivity to the dignity of wildlife. The first question I am asked is, "Do you eat the meat?", and when I explain that that is the primary reason for hunting, I have yet to encounter a nonhunter that has a problem with this.Canned hunts, the 'horns only' mentality, fair chase issues , etc.,however are sticking points for them, and what we as hunters need to address. I am not talking about the selective hunter that is looking for a mature animal, and that practices QDM, but the ones that will go to any length to pursue and even 'manufacture' a huge rack , going to whatever extreme measures necesarry, as long as they can satisfy their ego.Look at the thread about the Ebay add, and you'll see what Iam referring to.I think that these are the minority in the hunting community--but they are vocal enough to cause a bad light to be reflected on the hunting heritage.They do much more damage than the displaying of an animal. If we are concerned about an image problem that could effect the future of hunting, then it will take a lot more than carrying a tarpto cover your quarry, or to slink around as if we have something to hide or be ashamed of.I am proud to be a hunter and a part of huntings heritage. I don't shy away from confrontation or defending what I have convictions for. Neither am I one to go looking for a fight either. I can and do address these issues fairly regularly--so what is it that I'm supposed to be getting over? The fact that you don't grasp the effect of the most current and popular philosophy on why people react the way they do towards the concept of hunting and its place in our society, or that you simply disagree with me? I'm not being sarcastic. You asked me a question and I answered. I think that you simply didn't like my answer, of which you are cetainly entitled to do.

Well, I got through three pages, and I can't read anymore because I have to go to work, but in Indiana, the hunter ed instructor gave us all specific instructions to NOT display animals distastefully. If they must be displayed due to your vehicle or something, do it tastefully, clean up all the blood, put the tongue in, etc... I don't have a problem with folks displaying deer whatsoever. I wish more people around here did. I REALLY wish we had a buckpole in every town like Michigan does. It is awesome to be able to mingle with other hunters at the buckpole, share storied, etc... In Michigan, everyone wants to see your deer, and if you live in Michigan, you just better expect you're gonna see one or two or twenty on the first days....

In Indiana, Fort Wayne anyway, seems all the hunters chill at Gander Mountain with their tailgates down for an hour or so to show off to others who appreciate the work and dedication that went into harvesting the animal.

As a previous ANTI gone avid hunter, I know that as an anti, you see that and it disgusts you, makes you dislike the sport even more... that's why I want to move to Michigan, it's either accept it or move to the city...

I myself made it through 2 pages, so if I repeat some thing already said, please do forgive. Ikeep my kill in the back of my Blazer, tailgate shut. But I don't see whats wrong with people who keep there kill in public view. Until there is a law they can do what they want IMO. Its not like its a big secret that animals get killed when people go hunting. I do think there is a tasteful way to do it tho. As for you calling people toothless....whatever Rednecks, you have no right. It's stereotypical people like you that give us hunters a bad name. And as far as killing 200 deer in 20 years (cough, cough...bull #$!!) How many watts is that spotlight you use?

Guys, it depends what part of the country and the city or town you live in! If it is accepted in your home town, than go for it! You should'nt show blood and gut's, but if the pepole in your town likes to see your buck, why not?

I also think that the sight of a dead deer could and will offend some people depending where you are. The real concern I have is that during deer season most of the time there is snow and ice on the roads. When you transport the deer on one of those carriers that fit in the trailer hitch you expose the deer to dirt, moisture and road salt along with the petro chemicals that are present on the roadway surface. I do not care to eat road by-products that are present on the deer that are transported that way.

my brother has one of those, and he's vary miticulaus about everything,, i was supprized to see him use it this year.. the hide protects mostly everything,, but once that is cut.. you my as well cook your deer in a BAM!! of 10W-40

BJR have you ever heard of reducing the herd of antlerless? I don't know what part of the country you are in, but down here in the south we have had a SERIOUS antlerless herd problem that has ONLY began to be taken care of over the last 10 years. I have hunted many states (KS, TX, MO, AR, MS) but primarily hunt in MO and TN. In my part of TN we were allowed to kill as many as 12 or more does per season for the last decade plus. 2 years ago the area was increased to 3 per day, each day of the gun season (Nov-Jan). This season that 3 per day began first bowseason (last Sat. of Sept.) and runs until the last of gun season (2nd week Jan). It's not really hard at all to kill 20 in one season.

Buckwise, I quit dropping the first thing with antlers many years ago. I might kill a cull or two each season and probably go 2-3 years between actual trophy kills. But those trophies are 140-150inch plus, fully mature animals. Already this season I have let 4 over 140inches walk because they are only 3 or 4 years old. You learn alot watching such animals year in and year out instead of whacking them at first sight.

But then again as is the case in most of life, it is the few who pull the cart for the many. My main club in TN is a 2500acre farm with only 5 hunters on it. This year the order has been given to remove 100 does. No matter how you cut it, that's WORK for only 5 guys and a few occasional guests. But that's part of my return too the land for what it gives me.

I realize I have made alot of folks mad with this public display topic so many resort to personal attacks. In reality THEY are the ones who are uncomfortable with what they do and the image they project,but if the shoe fits...
RA

You stir up this much animosity with your insults andthis is the best you can come up with.....?!?!