We had a meeting in March with state biologist about MLD Options. We thought our rancher would go along but she seem hesitant. WE as a group could easily qualify for either option but choose the Harvest Option as our ranch would have to be flown to attain a reasonable census. Any affective talking points would be appreciated.

Do you know the reason she is hesitant? Specific issues?

Possibly less control with harvest. What advantages other than us being able to hunt the rut through February ect.

You would get permits based on the county census but no real guidelines for harvest ratios.

My place is probably smaller and I do census with cameras. I am going with the Conservation option as I have historical data and want to keep tabs on overall population density and ratios.

Is the property currently MLD and she is just hesitant about either Conservation or Harvest options?

Maybe she doesn't want you hunting any longer than the regular season. I know years ago when we leased I could not wait for the season to be over so things would get back to normal.

You actually have much more control of harvest with MLD as the landowner. Only MLD tags are legal and you don't necessarily get 5 tags per hunter.

Thanks for your responses. As the Biologist implied if your already doing a good job with feeding, brush control, harvest numbers, it comes down to money. I'm sure if we offered a money incentive to be able to hunt the complete rut everyone would be more receptive.

The talking point is that you are getting a more customized plan from the (supposed) experts that is aimed at that particular property, rather a generic plan for the entire county. Theoretically it should result in a better age structure, buck to doe ratio, and correct population for the carrying capacity of the property.

Thanks Texan Til I Die.

My reason for discontinuing the MLD program and something to think about is the permits come with a price. Management is a great thing and I am a firm believer of this,but by accepting assistance from Texas parks and wildlife allowing you to manage the deer herd on your property with less restriction you also allow Texas Parks and Wildlife to enter onto your property without restriction for testing or open observation. I will not open my ranch as a testing facility as Texas Parks and Wildlife see's fit. I do support Texas Parks and Wildlife in the positive things they do for our wildlife resources. This is just my opinion!

Why are the hunters wanting to get on MLD ?

We hunt in Southern Val Verde County. Our Rut runs through early to mid Feburary.We cant hunt like South Texas through the end of January even though we're less than two miles above Highway 90.Most all state Biologist we've met with have recommended Val Verde County be put into the South Hunting Zone. We already follow most of the MLD practices.

What will you do if you get on and you are issued considerably less permits than there are lease members?

Your reasoning for getting on the program isn't really what it was designed for.

I would imagine your landowner doesn't want you on the place another month unless it means you are paying more $$.

We take 7 mature bucks off 3500 acres. Generally no more than 10 doe. State
wildlife Biologist estimated on Harvest option based on ranches we border we'd have to harvest double what were taking now. We understand how many deer we need to harvest, but sometimes we have to be to conservative. Your also probably correct we don't want to spend more money.