WI The difference between now and then.

[shawnv]

I read Durkin's artice yesterday regarding the deer harvest numbers trying to spin it as positive that we're back close to what it was in the mid-80's for when most hunters didn't seem to complain like they do now.

There is a key difference, Hunter's Choice. While the kill number was similar, you can deduce that we had more deer on the 80's because many hunters did not have an option to shoot a doe but we saw plenty of does running around and seeing deer made the hunt even if a tag was not filled feel better.

I'm not pointing this out as a complaint or to even say it was better then or better now, I just want everyone to think about what is not being mentioned or considered.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/sports/...cle_2135f0ce-fb9d-5027-add5-3c2c62d94819.html

 

[wiscwhip]

First off, Durkin has been known to be a DNR "sympathizer" for many years and has written numerous articles that "played into" and helped promote the DNR's rhetoric over the years. I am 100% sure we had more deer in our area in the 80's and 90's than we do now, no question about it. I wish they would bring back HC permits as another "tool" for the CDAC's to use to adjust the harvest in units that are looking to improve numbers.

 

[shawnv]

The dufference is a keyboard and multiple ways to voice any opinion. Hunting blogs, fb, snapchat, twitter, post a response to any article , ect. Nfl ref blown calls have not changed in 30 years what has changed is keyboard experts instantly throwing out opinions via multiple mediums making it seem as tho ref calls are the worst ever.yelp is a prine example of negative instant bloggers who had a tip of a hotdog slightly burnt.3 cable networks where every show has a kill in 17 minutes certainly does not help. Was deer camp more fun when taking any buck was just fine? Hornporn cuases frustration, anxiety. What would this sport become if bucks genetically stopped growing any antlers?

There might be a little truth to that being how people form their attitude but I don't think it's the difference. Maybe the hornporn outbeak is bad by you but I overall I think it only affects a small percentage of hunters. The majority I run into still fall into the any buck is fine category. I grew up hunting public land in the Central Forest region in the 80's. It was not uncommon to see 20+ deer on the gun opener and several hunters I knew had similar experiences. This year is being compared to then and I bet the vast majority of hunters would be hard pressed to see 20 deer there in a full week.

I'm not sure I commend the DNR but feel we are on a better track than where we were three years ago with deer policy. Let's just not pretend this year was just like some other period of time when it's not.

 

[wiscwhip]

I agree with all points ^^^ shawn. I grew up hunting those Central Forest Zone properties back into the mid 70's and still do to this day, there is no comparison in the areas I frequent. I used to see groups of 6 to as many as 10 does and fawns come through at a time during gun season in the high density years(maybe a bit too high at the peak), now I am lucky to see a lone doe or one with a couple fawns at the most. Durkin's take is just more DNR chest pounding for the time being, we are on the right track, but we need much more improvement to say we are anywhere near where we want to be in some areas like the ones I hunt.

 

[BJE80]

HC was the perfect system. I've stated that several times on here and why. It all went downhill when Zone T began.

 

[dipper]

Just like anything, follow the $. Hunting has changed for a variety of reasons. As a whole public land sucks. Land prices, the hunting industry, and trophy bucks are just a few things that has changed deer hunting.
20 years ago people would laugh you out of the room if you talked about deer consultants(which I still think is funny myself) or hinge cuts. People don't own land just because they inherited it anymore. If its inherited, it's sold for top dollar. Most can't afford land and quality hunting. To bad for some.

 

[Peeps]

First off, Durkin has been known to be a DNR "sympathizer" for many years and has written numerous articles that "played into" and helped promote the DNR's rhetoric over the years. I am 100% sure we had more deer in our area in the 80's and 90's than we do now, no question about it. I wish they would bring back HC permits as another "tool" for the CDAC's to use to adjust the harvest in units that are looking to improve numbers.

Durkin's articles are always the glass is full, not even half full in full support of the DNR. HC would be a great tool but I don't see it happening unless the DNR figures out a way to make that choice a money maker for them. I also believe that there were more deer in the 80's and 90's then there are now. No question about it. When you factor in the better weather during gun season this year compared to last year the slight increase shows that the herd is still in trouble. The harvest should have shown a much bigger increase if everything was as rosey as Durkin and the DNR want us to believe.