Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
So then you agree that 20-25 dpsm is an adequate number of deer to allow for a reasonable chance at harvest. Having stated that, please explain why we need 40+ dspm and why hunters are all pi$$ed off that the DNR would want it lower?
I think that is more like a communist dictatorship, but whatever. The point is, if that is what it takes to get guys to wake up and smell the coffee, then so be it. I'm betting my bottom dollar that if it happened once, the hunters would do everything in there power to prevent it from happening again, don't you think?
I understand what you are saying about the first year thing, problem is, the DNR/NRB doesn't care. They are saying get it right or give it up, thus the reason for the harsh rules they are proposing. The DNR/NRB does not have the patience you are asking for, nor will they, because the NRB is especially afraid that this will set future precedence on these matters and they cannot and will not allow that to happen, they said last year already that they would nip this type of behavior in the bud in no uncertain terms.
As I said, if everyone just plays the game at a high level and does what needs to be done in each individual area, this is not a bad system. Low density areas lay off the antlerless and high density areas increase the take. Someone tries to play outside the "rules" and they are not going to like the outcome, much like now. The NRB wants the hunters to have the say to put a stop to the overkill issues the DNR has imposed on us in the past, they really do, but we cannot take that to the other extreme either, as they are just as unlikely to allow that to happen, if not more so.
If 20-25 dpsm is the new norm, I think a number of things will happen in areas like ours...
Predators will have a more detrimental impact on a smaller population. Given the same number of hunters, hunting pressure will be immense most likely leading to neighbor issues and calls for baiting.
Mature deer of 3.5 yo or older will be almost non-existent. If Ag tags still exist then who knows what will happen to the population?
As hunter success rate and satisfaction start to drop, we will start to lose hunters and new hunter recruitment will be difficult. This will then affect license sales.
"Having stated that, please explain why we need 40+ dspm and why hunters are all pi$$ed off that the DNR would want it lower?"
Your own words answer that question. If the CDACs do not fall in line with what the DNR wants, then they will disregard their input and override them. I also question the 20-25 dspm because many feel it is more driven by the Insurance & Farming lobby than by what realistic carrying capacity supports.
Explain to me where the DNR is building trust?
.