Nov. 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 11
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Landowners and Deer continued...
The Antlerless Debate
Some deer hunters and landowners hold fast to the notion that harvesting antlerless deer is a mistake and only bucks or antlered deer should be taken. We were talking about the upcoming deer season at my local barbershop one recent Saturday morning, for example, and the conversation quickly turned to deer numbers. It wasn’t long before someone mentioned deer damage in their backyard garden. I casually suggested harvesting antlerless deer as a way of keeping the population in check.
To my surprise, one guy emphatically said, “There will be no does taken on my property this year.”
Missouri’s social traditions for deer hunting are long-standing. Hunter attitudes are hard to change. Landowners can become more involved and help in efforts to strengthen the genetics of the herd over the long term. Harvesting antlerless deer is the key to deer management, especially population control.
Although many hunters refuse to consider antlerless deer as “trophies,” I submit that there is no finer table fare than an adult or yearling doe properly prepared and cooked. If you’ve got too much of a good thing, you can help the less fortunate by donating venison through the Share the Harvest Program (for more information, visit www.missouriconservation.org/9032).
Help Available
The Department of Conservation can provide technical assistance in helping you manage the deer on your farm or ranch. Contact your regional Conservation Department office with questions regarding landowner deer permits, deer hunting or habitat management options for your property.
The Department sets deer seasons and sets limits on the number and gender of deer harvested, but landowners have freedom to work within those regulations to meet the deer management needs of their property.
It’s important to remember that under most conditions, increasing the antlerless deer harvest will improve the health of your deer herd and help keep the population in check. The three families involved with Brinker farms have learned this and will continue to be active in controlling and enjoying deer populations on the farm for years to come.
About This Article
Author
BRAD MCCORD is the agricultural programs coordinator for the Department. His work includes developing partnerships with agricultural and conservation groups and administering landowner cost-share and incentive programs. Brad and his wife, Jennifer, live in California, Mo., with daughters Sarah and Madison.
