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Doe Population #5448311 11/29/14 04:19 PM
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SWtexashunter Offline OP
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Is it better to shoot the does and lower the doe: buck ratio? Last week when I went hunting in Uvalde I saw nothing but does and 2 yearling spikes. I was wanting to know what you guys would do.


Doe slayer...
Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448335 11/29/14 04:38 PM
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LandPirate Offline
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Yes, shoot the heck out of does. Stop shooting bucks until you achieve a healthy mature buck population and then be very selective and conservative. But keep shooting does.

On my last lease (well managed, MLD 3) we literally shot every doe we saw in order to achieve our numbers as set forth by the biologist. Sometimes it was quite difficult to kill the does that we were required to shoot (typically well over 100 does for 5500 acres low fence). Even still we maintained a 1.5:1 doe:buck ratio.

Benefits are that you'll have mature bucks and fewer does, meaning that bucks had to compete to get does and they had to search for the does that were available. It certainly improves your chances at seeing mature bucks.

I'd begin with a call to TPWD and see about getting a survey and recommendations.


Mike
Buda, Tx
Hunt near Freer
Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448343 11/29/14 04:45 PM
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Big Daddy K Offline
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There is a study you can find on line. East Texas deer carrying capacity or something like that. Not sure how it relates to your area but I would say yes in east Texas.
Contrary to internet trolls and jokes, We have not killed near enough doe in this area over the years. It's a little better now but back in the 60s 70s and 80s deer populations hit some lows due to overpopulation causing die offs.
Lots of factors other that hunting such as hardwoods being taken out and pine trees being planted etc...
I believe 40 deer per 1000 acres is considered good and sustainable with as close to 1-1 buck doe ratio as possible.
Probably higher today with year round feeding, food plots and farming.
Personally I have seen more bucks where I hunt that doe.
I have also noticed on my bus route in south Hopkins county, (I drive a school bus to) at least 4 different bucks this year and less doe than usual.
A few years ago we counted up to 27 does or anterless deer at once on several different evenings. Haven seen that many together in a few years.


It ain't easy being me.

Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448358 11/29/14 04:54 PM
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Choot 'em! I take over two does (on avg) for each buck.


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Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448367 11/29/14 04:58 PM
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Phantom Offline
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Yes shoot does and stop shooting bucks for a while. You will need to gather information on the number of deer on the property. Get as many surveys and game cameras as you can done. I blanket my property with game cameras to me it is the best way to get a true idea of the deer on the property. That data will help with a proper carry number for your property. A Biologist will be glad to help you with the TPWD or find a biologist around in your area to assist you. In my history with the TPWD they are quite liberal on what they consider shooting and carry numbers for your property so dont take it all as gospel when they tell you how many does to shoot. I have a HF ranch and a LF ranch under MLD and initially we shot a ton of does. Now I generally use my survey combine with fawn crop to decide how many does to remove.


Good is the enemy of Great
Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448397 11/29/14 05:24 PM
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Erathkid Offline
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We don't shoot does at all at the home place, just not enough deer. 8 miles away at another place I hunt we're covered up in doe. All properties are different.


Life is too short, as is. Don't chance it.
Don't text and drive.
Re: Doe Population [Re: LandPirate] #5448477 11/29/14 06:25 PM
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SWtexashunter Offline OP
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So if I see a buck I should let him walk in hope that the herd gets better?


Doe slayer...
Re: Doe Population [Re: SWtexashunter] #5448531 11/29/14 07:28 PM
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sig226fan (Rguns.com) Offline
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Get the survey and data first. Don't just decide to shoot does.

Re: Doe Population [Re: sig226fan (Rguns.com)] #5448534 11/29/14 07:29 PM
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SWtexashunter Offline OP
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So put up more TCs and keep track of how many come or should I call someone?


Doe slayer...
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