Managed hunt on public

[356]

I put in for a managed hunt near where I live with the “assurance” it would take three or four years to be drawn, based on the odds. My intention was to build up some points to ensure a draw once I retire. To my surprise, I was chosen this year—which means I am not ready!

The park is 10 miles from our home, so I will have the advantage of scouting. The campground will be available for hunters only, so I’ll likely bring the trailer and e-bike.

The hunt will be Nov 1 & 2 (the peak rut in this part of Missouri). This is a muzzleloader only hunt. There is also a requirement to harvest two does before harvesting a buck. There are tales of 150s and better roaming the park, and I’ve seen some nice deer in the 130s walking through the campgrounds. The double earn-a-buck will be the challenge. I am already envisioning a 170 walking by with only one doe tag filled.

 

[T-Max]

I put in for a managed hunt near where I live with the “assurance” it would take three or four years to be drawn, based on the odds. My intention was to build up some points to ensure a draw once I retire. To my surprise, I was chosen this year—which means I am not ready!

The park is 10 miles from our home, so I will have the advantage of scouting. The campground will be available for hunters only, so I’ll likely bring the trailer and e-bike.

The hunt will be Nov 1 & 2 (the peak rut in this part of Missouri). This is a muzzleloader only hunt. There is also a requirement to harvest two does before harvesting a buck. There are tales of 150s and better roaming the park, and I’ve seen some nice deer in the 130s walking through the campgrounds. The double earn-a-buck will be the challenge. I am already envisioning a 170 walking by with only one doe tag filled.

You have to earn your does on the same hunt? Or is there an opportunity to knock them out in advance? I could see those bucks being hip to the game and changing completely after the first sound of gunfire.


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[Angus 1895]

Two day hunt and you gotta shoot two does ?

I would tote around two or three muzzleloaders so you got more shots if a bunch of does come in.

Good luck!

 

[356]

You have to earn your does on the same hunt? Or is there an opportunity to knock them out in advance? I could see those bucks being hip to the game and changing completely after the first sound of gunfire.


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The does have to be taken on Nov 1 or 2 and checked in at the check station before being issued a buck tag. I can envision a memo going out to all of the bucks with the following: Be seen on the morning of Nov 1: Walk in front of blinds, stands and hunters. After shots are fired and/or you see does on the ground, please remove yourself from the park.

 

[homerj]

The does have to be taken on Nov 1 or 2 and checked in at the check station before being issued a buck tag. I can envision a memo going out to all of the bucks with the following: Be seen on the morning of Nov 1: Walk in front of blinds, stands and hunters. After shots are fired and/or you see does on the ground, please remove yourself from the park.

Now you know why EAB was banned by WI politicians

 

[356]

Now you know why EAB was banned by WI politicians

I am not against EAB as a management tool. It does mean I will likely have a separate plan for day one and day two. I talk to of my fellow bow hunters who tell me they prefer compound or traditional bows over crossbows and rifles because they like the challenge. If that's the case, they should love EAB.

 

[356]

I was able to talk to the park supervisor by phone. While not a wealth of information on "where" to hunt, he did give some pointers on access routes that will be available for the hunt and said I could put out a blind early--but with the understanding if anything happens it is not their responsibly." He also said I could use the e-bike on the trail system, which will help get me to where I am thinking I'll hunt should we have a north wind. 80 hunters on 1000 acres (one hunter every 12.5 acres) means high density hunting. Last year 22.5% harvested a deer, with 1 buck harvested.

Two day hunt and you gotta shoot two does ?

I would tote around two or three muzzleloaders so you got more shots if a bunch of does come in.

Good luck!

Thanks for wishing me luck. The rules allow more than one muzzleloader, so I will be taking the CVA ML 50cal pistol along with the rifle (and maybe two rifles).

The landowners around the park should be planning their hunts for the deer that are getting out of Dodge.

 

[Howboutthemdawgs]

Whoa!!! 80 hunters on 1000 acres isn’t hunting…it’s combat.

 

[SwampCat]

Bring your two does with you

 

[Feelslikefar.]

The does have to be taken on Nov 1 or 2 and checked in at the check station before being issued a buck tag.

Sounds more like a game show. Also sounds like they really don't want any bucks taken. lol

I guess one doe at first light, one in the evening, buck hunt the second day. In theory.
Reality will be more like a game show.

 

[Hoytvectrix]

My brother volunteers at a hunt like this in Missouri each year. He is always a guide for a hunter that drew a special hunt on a state park, for example. Within that program they need to kill two does before they can use the special buck tag. Most years the hunters don't even get to hunt for a buck. My brother got lucky when he drew for the hunt and killed a pretty solid buck. He didn't hesitate and killed two does the first morning and his buck that afternoon. That is exactly what I would do in a hunt like this. Have fun and be safe.

 

[Double Creek]

Sounds like a fun hunt. I would find the thickest escape cover and hope to kill 2 does the first morning.

I used to be in a club that required a doe to be killed before you could kill a buck. That’s a lot of pressure and saved a many a buck. I’ve found does are hard to kill when you HAVE to kill one!