Deer culling?

[Dinny]

Fellow Deer Hunters,
  Do you cull the weak and/or inferior deer?  I have, in the past, culled a couple of bucks in separate seasons to get them out of the local gene pool. They both were also badly wounded from other deer that had wooped up on them.  I like to think I helped our herd, but can't tell for sure.  The adjoining landowners all cull every year, if needed.  IMHO, as a result, we have been shooting bigger better deer each year. Is it ever a good idea to cull does? If so, how do you tell which ones should get the bullet?

Thanks, Dinny

[T/Chmr]

I am definitely no expert, nor do I play one on TV.  But it is just as important (if not more) to take does out of the herd.  Since most people will take the mature bucks and not shoot does, one must be mindful not to let the buck/doe ratio get too far out of balance. 

Although it's very difficult if not impossible to pick out an inferior doe (unless she's sick or injured), taking out a few of the larger/older does will most certainly be a benefit in the long term.

I try to use the same guidelines for does as bucks when aging them.....big heads, deep chests and a well developed rump seem to be key. 

[olydraft]

  I read somewhere last fall that was the why and purpose of issuing the mutiple doe licenses if you want to buy them, it is to keep the doe population in check so there isn`t a zillion does for each buck. If there were that many the bucks would be dropping dead from exhaustion. Wouldn`t need to use bullets just wait till he was done and pick him up after he falls over.....

[Lon371]

  I have used tags on wounded deer. I will also continue to do so. As far as the bucks getting better, I think it maybe because dare I say it. Indiana's 1 buck rule is actually working.

it is to keep the doe population in check so there isn`t a zillion does for each buck. If there were that many the bucks would be dropping dead from exhaustion

All I can say is "what a way to go"     Sounds like the way El Paso use to be

Lonny

[theoldarcher]

Hunting both Michigan, where I now live, and Indiana, where my heart is (back home--maybe I could make that into a song!  Oh, it already has been!    ), I can tell you the IN one buck rule is working: more and larger ones.  I wish the politicians would take their leave for a couple of years and let us not take ANY bucks for just two years--take does, but no bucks.  THen watch what would come out of the woods!

As for culling deer, I too have burned tags on wounded deer--the last a smallish buck with its right, back lower leg missing.  Other than that I try to cull two or three a year for tasty venison!!   

Arch

[theoldarcher]

I'm sorry!  I meant to say the MI politicians--thus sort of following what IN is doing.

Arch

[Lon371]

the last a smallish buck with its right, back lower leg missing

I took one that a neighbor wounded. He was aiming for the HEAD, blew out the front right knee. Wasted the morning trying to help his dad find it. Few days later I was cold wet and miserable, the poor thing came hobbling along. I took him home with me. Lost the 1/4 but ate the rest.

 On the bright side. He was a runt deer with a deformed basket rack. So it did pull him out of the gene pool.

Lonny

[hesco]

  The only deer i cull are the bambies much better eating. leave all the old does to have more bambies and the bucks for the trophy hunters.

[Dinny]

 The only deer i cull are the bambies much better eating. leave all the old does to have more bambies and the bucks for the trophy hunters.

Welcome aboard!  Good to see you posting here in the IN forum.   Stay as long as you like, you're among friends here.

The young'uns are tender. 

Thanks, Dinny