Shooting Does During the Rut

[BRITTMAN]

I leave the does alone during the rut , I take them early and late season .

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I agree with TJ. The landowner or property manager needs to set clear rules.

If you want does to get a pass during the rut, then you need to set specific start and end dates for the rut.

I don't think shooting does during the rut changes anything. I agree with the previous posters Whip, Chuck, Kevin and Michael.

[ron w]

One question I have is just how big is this farm? I am not a fan of QDM, "BUT" I have the results of it when I hunted in Pike Co. Ill. It works there well cause almost everybody plays. Thousands of acres of farm land a wooded draws. Lease next to lease next to lease all do the same thing. If you are trying to do it on 250 acres and your neighbors aren't........ not going to work! As far as killing does.....it has to be done to some degree.

[Blaino]

Originally posted by mwosborn:
 

Originally posted by Blaino:

I dissagree, for the reason that most of the does have been breed. Taking a doe after the rut is over is like taking 2 or even 3 deer from the herd if she has twins. Whos to say one of her offsprings won't turn to be a massave/smart buck. Your "meat deer" should be taken during the early season. To each their own.... [/b]

It makes no difference if you shoot her before or after she is bred - either way she had the potential to produce offspring.  Killing her before or after she is bred is still like killing 2 or 3 deer from the herd.  That is why killing does reduces the herd more so than killing bucks.  If the herd needs reduced than shoot some does - early in season or late in season it makes no difference other than the impact they have on the available food supply.

Personally I don't shoot them early because it is usually too hot and I prefer to let them hang.  I also have more time in late December and love late season hunting.  i do not shoot them during the rut as many already describe as "buck attractants". [/b][/QUOTE]

I understand you point.  My opinions are based on my particular area I hunt.  I am of a firm belief that way too many does are being killed in my state.  I know 4 people that have killed 20+ deer with 99% of them being does for the last 10+ years! Does your state allow this? It looks like I'm pro-life even when it comes to hunting.  I used to not feel this way but the deer population has changed for me and I have to change for it.....

TJ has the answer for letting people hunt.

[LookMomNoSights]

Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
I think you messed up letting him hunt too close to you first off. Also guests must abide to the rules of the landowner. Did you tell him not to shoot a doe? Have to be very clear on your QDMA intentions with guests. If you told him not to shoot that deer then don't invite him back.

I have been through this time and time again. The worst of which was years ago I went to our farm to find a friend that I had let hunt one day was back with his two buddies (that I didn't even know).

Believe me you have to be crystal clear with all your rules or they will be bent or broken.

To answer your question I do what Brad does. If I am buck hunting I don't shoot them during the rut as they are bait. The other night I had a mature doe come under my stand. Hot on her heels was a 160" 10 pointer. They past and ended up coming through the same spot under me 20 minutes later.

Very well put KentuckyTJ!  

[DDawg]

Thanks for the replies and the help.. I am going to be the eventual land owner.  
Actually we have a couple farms that I hunt, but the farm I am focused on is about 210 acres with another 150 acres family land next to it. Virtually all land surrounding the property is owned by responsible hunters. I am in the process of trying to figure out the best way to make our farm a good place for family and friends to hunt.  I am not really concerned with hard core QDM (and as stated before, I use the word QDM as a general term)  I just want to make the best use of what I am blessed with to get to hunt for free.  
I'm am sure my plans will change and adapt as time goes on.  But I am open to any ideas or suggestions.

Thanks
David