So you want a deer behind every tree....

[dipper]

my properties have some historically high deer numbers. I've been killing 40 plus does a year the last few years. When we weren't having winters a booner isn't out of the question. When we have winters it's hard keeping bucks, especially mature bucks alive. I went into a buck bedding area......3.5 from 2 winters ago

2-1.5a from 2 winters ago

Nice rub in background
2.5 from this winter

Bucks need a lot to recover from the rut. Food plots won't do it in insane density areas.
The most frustrating part I haven't shot a buck on my place in 3 years, but I have 4 dead ones I found just this year. I found 2 different bucks dead last year too. That 6 dead bucks in 3 years, not good!

 

[tooln]

It's hard to believe that you can take 40+ does and your buck numbers are so low. What is the gaol of neighbors who hunt? Do they take anything with horns?

 

[bueller]

how do you know those are winter kills and not deer that had a bad shot put on them and were never found by the hunter? or predator kills?

 

[Greta&Gus]

My property has historically low deer numbers for my lifetime. Haven't been this low since the 70s. Want to trade hunting properties for a year and see how you like it?

 

[West Branch]

I'll take a deer behind every 10th tree instead of every tree.

 

[biglakeba$$]

Every 10 acres of trees with a deer would be a dream come true for me.

That would put a whopping 6 deer in our woods at any given time.

 

[dipper]

There is no issue with my buck population, or age structure. First off, I am way to picky, I have no interest in sub 130" bucks. Actually no interest in sub 140"ers. Getting a buck to 4.5 is possible, but getting that buck to score over 120", just hasn't happened often the last couple years. The harsh winters have to be the cause.
I'm having more fun hunting than I ever have piling up does. It just sucks finding dead bucks, when you work so hard to give them everything they need.

 

[dipper]

how do you know those are winter kills and not deer that had a bad shot put on them and were never found by the hunter? or predator kills?

4 of the 6 shed their antlers and died. They could have been wounded. I went 4 years prior only finding 1 dead buck, and recently there is a spike.
The nice thing is I know bucks are dying where I want them to bed, and there is a high concentration of rubs in these areas. All without making silly buck beds. Haha I sure know what that means!

 

[dipper]

All the bucks found around edge. Can't beat a combo or grass/ weeds, conifers and some woody species.

My little nephew was pretty proud of his 142" 8 that he found 2 springs ago. Ole uncle dipper would have liked to cross paths with this 5.5 alive, but it was rewarding watching him claim his trophy.

 

[sandbur]

There is no issue with my buck population, or age structure. First off, I am way to picky, I have no interest in sub 130" bucks. Actually no interest in sub 140"ers. Getting a buck to 4.5 is possible, but getting that buck to score over 120", just hasn't happened often the last couple years. The harsh winters have to be the cause.
I'm having more fun hunting than I ever have piling up does. It just sucks finding dead bucks, when you work so hard to give them everything they need.

dipper- at some point we have to acknowledge that most bucks in a given area might top out at 130 or even less. either we enjoy what we have or we move. Harsh winers can make a difference in antler size, like you say.

Now, what if irrigation and good soil management by adjoining land owners would better feed your herd. Could you grow bigger antlers? Will the irrigation pull the herd through a dry summer in better shape?

Is any alfalfa under irrigation? If so, they are adjusting the pH and making the changes that might grow bigger antlers.

 

[dipper]

Must have been another Dipper that dumped that 115 inch state land rifle buck a few years back then?

Posts like this are why I am on this site less and less. I used to have a drive to help others and share constructive information. That's fading
I'll leave it at that, have a good day.

 

[gunther89]

I guess the truth hurts huh dipper?

 

[dipper]

I guess the truth hurts huh dipper?

Absolutely not, I kill more deer in one season than most kill in a lifetime. I have 2 rooms full of mounts, 2 Boone and Crockett bucks. The real special thing it's not about me, I gave a pass to a deep mule forked 140"er last year making sure my best friend killed it.
Oh, I might be buying another 80 acres, I'm leaving my freaking dream!
As the city slicker pointed out, I may have jinked myself because the last buck I shot was a 118"er from the nicolet national forest. If that gets my wife another 140"er next year, I'm fine with that.
Its funny how this spins around on me, I will keep my properties and the management of all 3 of them private from now on.

 

[Riggsgwp->]

So do you want a deer behind every tree Dipper? The last post seems like you're celebrating the fact you get to kill so many deer. It makes no sense and kind of seems douchey to start celebrating your high deer density situation. And are you so happy with the situation you have that you want to buy more land in the same area? If so, why start this thread? Unless you're just trying to take a shot at us Mn guys once again.

 

[NWWI]

Boy this turned south in a hurry!