Possible Extension for Deer Gun Season for 2021

[Spencie]

if they remove the 2 day gun season I'm all for it...

Ageed.
Also, I’m for moving the muzzy season up to that extra gun weekend because
1) less chances of killing antlerless bucks
2) even though does are pregnant at both times you are less likely to notice fetus while gutting in December
3) less stress on deer in winter.

 

[Jackalope]

Most of the state is just now getting back to where hunters are happy with the deer population - at least from what I observed (I dont have facts for this)

If they are considering it then they're doing it to increase kill. They'll bill it to the public as increasing participation. Which as we know participation is the key to management. Back in 2011ish after the DNR had been trying to decimate our deer population for a couple years I asked Tonkivich what their end population goal was "40 / 50 / 60% population reduction? He declined to state it so I rephrased and asked him what percent complete they were to their goal. He said 50%. At that time deer harvest was down around 30%. That would mean they were seeking a 60% total reduction in population totals from around 2007 numbers. He then went on to say that he didn't believe they would achieve it, simply put they need hunters to do it and hunters will quit if there are far fewer deer. He said it will likely go in cycles, participation will fall and deer numbers will rebound some, then they will have to try to attempt to increase participation to get it knocked back down.

 

[at1010]

If they are considering it then they're doing it to increase kill. They'll bill it to the public as increasing participation. Which as we know participation is the key to management. Back in 2011ish after the DNR had been trying to decimate our deer population for a couple years I asked Tonkivich what their end population goal was "40 / 50 / 60% population reduction? He declined to state it so I rephrased and asked him what percent complete they were to their goal. He said 50%. At that time deer harvest was down around 30%. That would mean they were seeking a 60% total reduction in population totals from around 2007 numbers. He then went on to say that he didn't believe they would achieve it, simply put they need hunters to do it and hunters will quit if there are far fewer deer. He said it will likely go in cycles, participation will fall and deer numbers will rebound some, then they will have to try to attempt to increase participation to get it knocked back down.

Very good point. Money and increased kill.

Although I would think they would first increase the county bag limits first before adding more days of gun but maybe I am off base there.

 

[Fletch]

I heard where Illinois may revamp their seasons... First off moving gun season to start on Nov. 1st. and run for 2 weeks and allowing straight walled cartridges... Also making it 1 buck per season instead of 2 as it currently is... Also reducing tags and making it a lottery for both residents and non-residents... I doubt it this will fly if in fact it is true... A two week gun season allowing rifles during the rut... Uh... I don't think so...

 

[Boarhead]

I do remember reading about that awhile back and would say they will most likely bring it in on a Saturday..they are doing it with the 2021 Spring turkey season.

 

[Jackalope]

Very good point. Money and increased kill.

Although I would think they would first increase the county bag limits first before adding more days of gun but maybe I am off base there.

Another part of that conversation with Tonk was how lowering the number of available tags from 7 to 2 doesn't really "save" deer. Simply because the vast majority of hunters don't shoot more than 1 and even fewer shoot 2. He forgot his audience for a moment and started telling us a story about how just that week he had a meeting with some big county farmers who were pissed that the DNR lowered tags in their county because they wanted more deer killed and he had to explain to them that it doesn't work that way. Then he said most hunters aren't smart enough to understand that. Yeah. The "oh shit did I just say that" look on his face was priceless when he realized his audience and snapped out of bragging mode. Participation and opportunity is what primarily lowers numbers. Cheap $15 tags, rifles, bonus gun season, that extra early muzzleloader they got rid of, all designed to create increased participation and opportunity. Back then the tag sold to success rate was around 30%. Add in extra time in the wood's with a gun and that number increases. Give them a better gun and it should increase more. Barring that none of them quit because they're tired of not seeing deer anymore.

 

[Sgt Fury]

What is the source of this “chatter” you’re hearing?

The “working man” is only gaining an extra weekend if they don’t take away the bonus weekend in the process. I will believe it when I see it.

I didn't say they were gaining and extra weekend, only assumed that if the season is 9 days long, it would start on a Saturday and end the following Sunday. Who knows...maybe they’ll start it on a Monday and go nine days straight and end it on Tuesday....but then you are trading a bonus weekend for two weekdays..IF they take away the bonus weekend and add it to the gun season. Like I said, I’m retired so I could care less, was just thinking of those who are still working and have families...vacation days spent hunting is less days spent with the family.

 

[Bigcountry40]

I think we can all agree that we need to increase hunter participation, especially youth hunters. I see this as a great way to do that. I've stated before I am for this, and it's that reason why. It doesn't really benefit me at all. My group has a shitload of properties mostly to ourselves because people just don't have vacation left and dont wanna pull kids outta school right after Thanksgiving break. IMO, and I could be wrong on this, but this could start new traditions very easily. I think we'd see a big numbers jump. And the DNR will get to see more deer killed

I don’t think you can increase youth participation much more, reason 1 access to quality hunting property. I’m not attacking anyone specifically but I think its hilarious how hunter want more youth hunting as long as it’s not on their property. Reason 2 sports- Saturday after thanksgiving is full of practices and scrimmages,. Studies show Youth typically stay interested in hobbies for 5 to 7 years, if they stick with it after that it’s a passion. I know this because I was presenting data to try to eliminate peewee padded football at a school

 

[Bigcountry40]

The bow hunters are gonna freak. Because 4 months just ain't long enough.

It’s not jerk, I’m a bad bow hunter

 

[Boarhead]

Funny how just a few years ago everyone was talking and bitching about the low deer numbers and low sightings each time out, the herd seems to be good now and lots are back to filling every tag they can.
Now they will add more days and opportunities with better weapons and how long before TOO is back to having the same complaining and bitching about where have all the deer gone.
Starting it on a Saturday won't bother me I will continue to hunt with my bow and shoot one or or possibly 2 deer a year.
I could see where it will effect guys that enjoy the gun season and use that weekend for their travel and camp setup time.

 

[Jackalope]

Funny how just a few years ago everyone was talking and bitching about the low deer numbers and low sightings each time out, the herd seems to be good now and lots are back to filling every tag they can.
Now they will add more days and opportunities with better weapons and how long before TOO is back to having the same complaining and bitching about where have all the deer gone.
Starting it on a Saturday won't bother me I will continue to hunt with my bow and shoot one or or possibly 2 deer a year.
I could see where it will effect guys that enjoy the gun season and use that weekend for their travel and camp setup time.

The members that have been here since the days when we fought the fight about low deer numbers don't seem to be in favor of it. And I haven't seen nearly the doe kill number that we saw in this site back circa 2010ish. From what I've seen, especially over the last 5 years, is people here being very selective in their harvests. The problem is how to educate the masses, it's a fruitless endeavour for the most part as they will refuse to admit it until they too start to see a reduction.

 

[giles]

Funny how just a few years ago everyone was talking and bitching about the low deer numbers and low sightings each time out, the herd seems to be good now and lots are back to filling every tag they can.
Now they will add more days and opportunities with better weapons and how long before TOO is back to having the same complaining and bitching about where have all the deer gone.
Starting it on a Saturday won't bother me I will continue to hunt with my bow and shoot one or or possibly 2 deer a year.
I could see where it will effect guys that enjoy the gun season and use that weekend for their travel and camp setup time.

I don't think is fair. Once everyone got angry, they started their own deer herd programs. Someone like me takes full advantage of people who want less deer. We take a lot of deer every year and do so on properties that the owners don't want deer or less deer. The one property we still have county tags available, but we hit our property quota. So we stopped. The one we just started hunting with the kids, that was the first deer taken in 5 years. We plan to take 4-5 more before the seasons out. We also have another property set up with a couple of cull bucks the guy wants out. So to look from the outside, it looks bad. But the truth of the matter is that we are doing what the owner of the land wants. All 3 properties I'm talking about are trying to grow big mature bucks. The guy with the cull bucks was ashamed to shot a deer that only went 153" this year.

So yes, I'm all for more gun opportunities because it is much easier for kids and new hunters. More cost effective also. We also have rounds out now that is much easier on the shoulder and much more accurate. Let the people that want one deer get that deer and get out of the way. Lower the stress all around on the herd. I also believe we will have a better recovery rate on deer.

I hate to make it about money, but I would pay more for gun tags. I would likely still get an archery tag, but I would gladly pay $40 for a gun tag.

 

[Bigcountry40]

I don't think is fair. Once everyone got angry, they started their own deer herd programs. Someone like me takes full advantage of people who want less deer. We take a lot of deer every year and do so on properties that the owners don't want deer or less deer. The one property we still have county tags available, but we hit our property quota. So we stopped. The one we just started hunting with the kids, that was the first deer taken in 5 years. We plan to take 4-5 more before the seasons out. We also have another property set up with a couple of cull bucks the guy wants out. So to look from the outside, it looks bad. But the truth of the matter is that we are doing what the owner of the land wants. All 3 properties I'm talking about are trying to grow big mature bucks. The guy with the cull bucks was ashamed to shot a deer that only went 153" this year.

So yes, I'm all for more gun opportunities because it is much easier for kids and new hunters. More cost effective also. We also have rounds out now that is much easier on the shoulder and much more accurate. Let the people that want one deer get that deer and get out of the way. Lower the stress all around on the herd. I also believe we will have a better recovery rate on deer.

I hate to make it about money, but I would pay more for gun tags. I would likely still get an archery tag, but I would gladly pay $40 for a gun tag.

With the crossbow technology do we really need more gun opportunities? How big properties are these to think they can manage the herd. For most of us it letting deer walk and praying the neighbor doesn’t shoot it

 

[Wildlife]

I'm all for more youth participation so, whatever that takes for it to happen, I'm for it. Regardless of whatever the new rules are, I will abide by them however, I do not believe it will affect my future hunting much at all.

I agree with some, there are more pockets of large deer herds in certain counties and/or private properties where I have experienced the encouragement to attempt to thin or reduce the population for several different reasons.

I would like to believe that the ODNR does a fairly good job in managing the overall state deer population but, I am by no means an expert on the matter. I try to stay up to date with good information, which mainly comes from you members/hunters right here on this forum.

I appreciate you guys more than what you may think!

 

[giles]

With the crossbow technology do we really need more gun opportunities? How big properties are these to think they can manage the herd. For most of us it letting deer walk and praying the neighbor doesn’t shoot it

The 3 properties I'm talking about are in the thousands with the combined farms. 2 of which are buck only hunters. High deer numbers that need thinned out. Programs that the hunters have done within the ODNR regulations.

You are right, crossbows have come a long ways. But for a new hunter to go out and spend that kind of money isn't realistic. Some will, yes. But I don't think the number is high enough to amount to much. $1,500-$2,000 is a chunk of money. Now a $300 single shot or ML...that is reasonable.

How many of these mega buck hunters would let a kid or new hunter come drop a deer if they could do it in one hunt? From a distance, one shot, drop it and get back out.

 

[Boarhead]

You are correct Dave every property is different some hold alot more deer than others and can stand to be thinned down, great opportunities there for kids if the landowner allows more people to hunt there.
The farms my friends own where I hunt take their kids out whenever they can.
We also have more and more hunting pressure around us every year so choose not to shoot too many as the neighboring farms shoot their share of them also.
I may still shoot a doe before season goes out but for the most part I guess at my age I have been through all the stages of hunting deer and just enjoy my time out there and choose to hold out for a nice or certain buck I know may be on the farm which doesn't always work out, 2 of the bucks we were after last year were killed on neighbors farms which i am good with, both went to good guys that got em. Thats just my choice and may eat a tag every few years but I'm good with that.
Also want to get more time out there with my Granddaughter when our schedules line up which am hoping for more of next season.