could you please send me some info on getting started in managing deer. we have just acquired a 3000 acre tract that we are going to try an implement a trophy management idea. We have thought of limiting the min. to a deer that would gross 125 b&c. Is this the proper way to start or should we only kill does the first year and see what the age structure of the bucks may be. I know their are a lot of variables to this question, but i'm looking for a starting place not the finish line! The property that i speak of is in central N.C. I would appreciate any info that you would like to share?
Hello,
You can call 1-800-274-5471 for a free book from Whitetails Unlimited which
outlines options for deer management.
Here is a link with the basics on Management. Its not exactly what you
asked me for but it might help.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/pg7f1b.htm
Here is another link that might be interesting.
http://www.fayettevilleobserver.com/news/archives/1998/tx98nov/s29pett.htm
How you manage your land is a matter of personal preference. There is no
correct absolute answer. All other things being equal, then the more
restrictive you are the larger the deer should be. You question/problem is
a matter of finding how much MANAGEMENT you and the other hunters can
stand. Some clubs that are TRUE 100% trophy hunters don't mind hunting 5
years before they have a chance to kill a buck. These clubs exist but they
are the exception rather than the rule.
Keep in mind that the benefits of passing on 1.5 year old deer vs. killing
everything will have the most impact. If you decide to pass on 1.5 AND 2.5
year old deer then the trophy bucks will increase again but you will be
severely curtailing the number of deer taken. It is going to be your job
to set the limits where the negatives of restrictions don't out weigh the
gains that they produce. This magical point will vary between clubs.
Good luck finding that balance point.
What type of soap should I use for deer hunting???
I use regular soap. I figure that the deer can smell me so if it also smells some soap, who cares. The best strategy is to always hunt with the wind blowing
away from the area you most expect to see the deer.
Ok. enough of that. I would suggest that you use regular soap and then rinse extensively with hot water after you are finished bathing. Then to minimize your scent as much as possible take some rubbing alcohol and wipe your body with that. The source of the "Human Smell" is from bacteria. The alcohol will kill lots of the bacteria and the smell they produce. Rubbing alcohol should be used
extensively under the arms.
The other source of smell often comes from your mouth. There is a company (I think it is tinks) that makes a mouthwash for deer hunters. I have never used it myself. Clean breath from a mouth wash will be better than bad breath.
So eliminating the under arm smell and your breath smell will go a long way towards eliminating your smell. But keep in mind just one thing like your hair or clothes can negate any odor elimination you do else where. It is an all or nothing thing. Either you eliminate it all or you will be smelled.
