Lots of reasons for shooting does, but like many of the others I have places where I will shoot a doe & other places that get so over hunted that they're buck only. Not that I have huge pieces of land to manage, but I think you have to look at the big picture and know the local herds where you hunt.
#1 - Food
#2 - There's absolutely no better practice for hunting than shooting deer. It always feels good to arrow one early to build confidence going into buck mode.
#3 - It's hunting. It's supposed to be fun. And shooting does is fun for me.
#1 - Food
#2 - There's absolutely no better practice for hunting than shooting deer. It always feels good to arrow one early to build confidence going into buck mode.
#3 - It's hunting. It's supposed to be fun. And shooting does is fun for me.
Bowhunter57
Senior Member
Each area is different. I agree with everything that hickslawns has said...except "not really a thought" and I say that because I've shot a buck and a doe every year for 4 years running and I've seen a definite decline in the deer population. :smiley_chinrub: I will not be shooting any does this year...in my area. Already this year, I have seen a bachelor group of 6 bucks, but only 2 does and only 1 of them with a fawn.hickslawns said:
Again, in my area, I feel that I've turned the buck/doe ratio from 5 years ago that was 70% does and 30% bucks to at least 80% bucks and 20% does. I don't think it's a good idea to shoot any more does...in my area. :smiley_armscrossed:
Bowhunter57
Funny how one end of the county can differ from another. Even 5-10miles apart can be different. I see specific properties where the ratios have not been effected by killing 3-4 does a year between a few hunters taking does. Other area you and your buddies take a few does a year and soon there aren't many. Just bizarre to me. Makes me wonder if there aren't additional hunters doing damage or if it is simply the coyotes. There again, I think it is property specific.