Question for "buck only" hunters.

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

I know that there are a lot of people who are buck only hunters.  That's fine with me if that's what keeps you into the sport and makes you happy.  I was wonderong how many buck only hunters would be willing to shoot does if you were hunting in an area where you knew the deer were seriously overpopulated?  

I know that some people don't eat the meat or only need the meat from one animal so they elect to shoot bucks only, but how many of you would be willing to buy an extra tag and donate the meat from a doe if you knew the herd was in trouble?

Not trying to play devil's advocate or anything, simply curious and my guess is that most would.

[kleine]

Well I'm a land owner and a buck only guy, Simply because our area has become to over hunted with all of the antleress tags and the large groups that hunt adjacent properties during the gun seasons. So we don't allow any does to be shot. If I where to hunt somewhere else that was overpopulated, then yes I'd shoot does. This year was terribly tough, saw very few deer and was the hardest 3 months I've ever had,
but I still enjoyed them.
I don't trophy hunt, I hunt to feed my family.

[jhg]

Where I hunt/hunted we get one tag. so no, I'd not use it for a doe. This is strictly a personal bias that for me enriches the chase- limiting it to bucks and preferably the mature variety. Its not a rack size thing though thats nice. Big bodies are what I am after.


Joshua

[thunder1]

Ya. I would would shoot a doe if I had to.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I hunt for big bucks, but I'll take a doe or two for the freezer as well.
Buck hunting is for the challenge and the experience, doe hunting is herd control. At times those old gals can be a real challenge as well.

[lpcjon2]

I hunt both and we have to buy an extra tag for an extra buck.So I would do the same for an extra doe to give to less fortunate.In Jersey I have tried to donate to the Hunters for the Hungry but they want $75.00 to process the deer,and wont take it if you do it.So we donate to people the church tells us need meat.It all works out.  

[Hoser1268]

I would be happy to shot a doe if I was in a overpopulated area.  I eat the meat so one more for the freezer would be great.

[Jim Wright]

I hunt public land in Louisiana that believe it or not is extremely steep and rugged. State law dictates that deer must be brought out in one piece. I will only shoot a very large buck on this W.M.A. given the opportunity and then question my sanity when dragging him out begins. Wildlife and Fisheries has waived the no wheeled vehicles restriction on the foot paths if you have a deer down but as a purely personal decision I won't hunt if I have to use an A.T.V. to retrieve game. Two days ago I had 2 does within 10 yards but they are still walking and the main reason offered for the rule waiving mentioned previously is to encourage the taking of more does. I have contacted the wildlife biologist over the area with the proposition that it makes more sense to allow taking a quartered animal out on a pack frame and leave footprints than rutting up trails in a beautiful resource with an A.T.V. He was sympathetic and passed my email up but no responce, it's almost like they think making everything less challenging sells more licenses!

[brock donald]

i hunt big deer all year but cant imagine shooting 3 or does a year. I have too much fun doing it. They are mighty tasty too.

[Whitetail Nut]

Yeah I would shoot one alright they eat just the same as a buck does.

[L. E. Carroll]

Here in Wash. as in several other Western States, we are pretty much only going to get to take 1 deer.            

[black velvet]

Yes, if the heard was in trouble I would shoot does.

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

These are along the lines of the answers I figured I would get.  So many times people get upset because people say that they hunt buck only but they never take the time to find out why.  I had guessed that if given the chance and an out of control herd that most would take a doe.  

The problem we run into around here is that the herd is out of control and the people that hunt around my area will not shoot a doe.

[BrianfromTulsa]

I'm not a buck only hunter, but I will not shoot a small buck.  I will shoot does.

[reddogge]

I shot a Sika doe during rifle season but on my own property during bow season this year I haven't taken a shot at one.  I did miss a nice buck though.  I haven't seen as many does this year and the ones I see all have big fawns.  I guess I'm not motivated to shoot one this year.