356
5 year old buck +
GJS4, your post and this thread have evolved into much more that the original question. That is (occasionally) part of the magic of these types of forums. Your reflections on EHD and the drought are relevant, and the importance of the “change of scenery” adds an apostrophe to the role this property plays for you and the family. It seems the answer is coming into focus and the property has meaning that transcends the negatives.
While I have only harvested one doe so far this year, I found great satisfaction in the harvest, as it was a management decision (with culinary benefits) I would not have made in years past. Will it make a difference? Yes–and that difference is beyond the “one less mouth to feed” argument. As I am getting to know adjacent landowners, they are watching how I manage the property. The same is true for our 40 acres that is 5 hours away. Time has been our friend when it comes to setting goals and establishing relationships. One adjacent landowner has feeders out (which is not legal here) and stands that are 1” from our property line. The irony is that as I patiently am working to establish a positive relationship, he has mentioned “moving his stands.” Time will tell. The good news is that they tend to only hunt rifle season, so I can be out during archery season—is that the case with your neighboring “outfitter?”
Land ownership and QDM have moved me from a “deer hunter” first/land manager second to the inverse. My harvest satisfaction comes from management goals, whether on the 85 acres we live on or the 40 and 13 acre properties we enjoy from afar. For example, this year my goal for the 85 acres is two does…and one buck should the right one appear. I am also allowing my grandkids to harvest a doe and any buck. For me, If the right buck does not appear, I am good with two does. Next year‘s goals will be set in September based on camera and observation surveys. On one property I have a picture of a very nice buck that could be a “Missouri Monster” in one or two years. If I see him on camera next season, I’ll target him. If not, I still will enjoy the hunt based on management goals.
While 75 acres is not much, you have enough to establish a “core area” for deer (especially does). That is what we found on our 85 acres. Even now, I am starting to get pictures of bucks coming on the property during the pre-rut.
Good luck with your project, and enjoy the hunt and management opportunities wherever you hunt.
While I have only harvested one doe so far this year, I found great satisfaction in the harvest, as it was a management decision (with culinary benefits) I would not have made in years past. Will it make a difference? Yes–and that difference is beyond the “one less mouth to feed” argument. As I am getting to know adjacent landowners, they are watching how I manage the property. The same is true for our 40 acres that is 5 hours away. Time has been our friend when it comes to setting goals and establishing relationships. One adjacent landowner has feeders out (which is not legal here) and stands that are 1” from our property line. The irony is that as I patiently am working to establish a positive relationship, he has mentioned “moving his stands.” Time will tell. The good news is that they tend to only hunt rifle season, so I can be out during archery season—is that the case with your neighboring “outfitter?”
Land ownership and QDM have moved me from a “deer hunter” first/land manager second to the inverse. My harvest satisfaction comes from management goals, whether on the 85 acres we live on or the 40 and 13 acre properties we enjoy from afar. For example, this year my goal for the 85 acres is two does…and one buck should the right one appear. I am also allowing my grandkids to harvest a doe and any buck. For me, If the right buck does not appear, I am good with two does. Next year‘s goals will be set in September based on camera and observation surveys. On one property I have a picture of a very nice buck that could be a “Missouri Monster” in one or two years. If I see him on camera next season, I’ll target him. If not, I still will enjoy the hunt based on management goals.
While 75 acres is not much, you have enough to establish a “core area” for deer (especially does). That is what we found on our 85 acres. Even now, I am starting to get pictures of bucks coming on the property during the pre-rut.
Good luck with your project, and enjoy the hunt and management opportunities wherever you hunt.