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Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
#5402692
11/06/14 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 179
the rattler
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 179 |
I have a new ranch, not very big 200 acres but good game. I recently put a house on it and now all the inlaws and friends want to come and I feel that I must lay down some guidelines for who shoots bucks. I have 2 teenagers and the bucks are for us. What are some ideas for management? Thanks
"110 Rattlers to date, so many snakes,so little time"
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402704
11/06/14 04:14 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,235
Fltmedic
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,235 |
Most suggest getting a biologist out there to so a survey. Talk to neighbors see who hunts and what their practices are. You may not change their practices but it may affect how you manage your land. Get some cams and feeders up to see what is passing through. That's what I would do if I was in your shoes, congrats on your purchase, living the dream!
Don't take life so seriously, you'll never make it out alive!
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402710
11/06/14 04:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,535
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,535 |
We have 320+- acres for my dad brother and I to hunt. We base total harvest off of surveys. We pick the bucks we specifically want for us or one of us and then other people are typically told you can shoot hogs, any predators(coyotes, bobcat, etc.) a doe, or one of the bucks on an approved list with pictures that we will show them.
We don't have a lot of invite hunts but that is how they have been handled in past.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402724
11/06/14 04:20 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Hand them a brochure made for your ranch with prices to hunt.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402743
11/06/14 04:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
Get some cameras rolling and scout the bucks you have as much as possible.. have the pictures of the bucks that you feel ok for them to take and let that be that... no exceptions. I have a place that's about the same size and we are taking 4yr old+ bucks nothing younger whatsoever. We do have a few 4yr olds that show to have great potential for some big 5yr olds that will get a pass. Easy to cover the bucks really what you need to find out is how many doe you have and an estimate of your ratio... on mine there are more bucks than doe which is very odd for our area but even so we agreed not to take any doe for now and only 4yr old + bucks... so if you have a lot of doe that's a good way to get that side of things taken care of while your boys are hunting bucks. plenty of shooting being done though since we are working the pigs and yotes non stop. On that size property I would try and keep it well fed and as quiet as possible.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: stxranchman]
#5402744
11/06/14 04:26 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686
MoBettaHuntR
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686 |
Hand them a brochure made for your ranch with prices to hunt. So true!
-Those who say money can't buy happiness never bought a dog.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402798
11/06/14 04:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Also explain them you have a long term management plan and goal for your land. You will be sticking to it at all times. That plan includes a limited harvest, no exceptions. All hunters will be guided if needed. That makes it easier to keep from shooting a buck. "That buck is still to young" and leave it at that.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402841
11/06/14 04:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 182
cp50948
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 182 |
I have a similar situation, only I don't own the land. I married into a family with about the same amount of land. They have never really killed any bigger deer. 120's is probably the biggest they've seen. My family has land in Erath county and over the years we've managed to grow some fairly large bucks. My wife's family has as me to help "manage" the herd by telling them which deer should be culled every year. Well after a few years of shooting culls and growing a decent herd. They have gone buck shooting crazy. Last year they killed 3 3.5-4.5 yr 8s and this year they have managed to do the same thing again and it driving me nuts.
Long story short its your land you decide. If they want to shoot a big deer they can chip in on price of land, corn or hunting set ups. Be careful who you let on your land to hunt. It only takes one hunter to mess up what you've been working hard to create.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402871
11/06/14 05:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 19,296
pokerj2
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 19,296 |
On my place there are culls and nothing else. Deer that are legal that have no brow tines, big bodied spikes which I only have 1 that meets this requirement and 2 funky bucks for this year that look like they took a chair to the face. Ive told the few people ive invited this is it your one and only shot. If you take something other than whats in these pics there is no invite to come back. So far in my one week test with one invited hunter...my brother... it has worked
President of American Entitlements LLC Health insurance agency focusing in all ages from ACA plans all the way through Medicare. Office is based in Wylie, TX We have local agents in both Texas and Louisiana 469-814-0289
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402876
11/06/14 05:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,830
Grosvenor
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,830 |
Bottom line is you're going to have to be very stingy with your deer harvests. Your guests have to accept the idea that they will most likely just be watching and enjoying their time in the outdoors. Once folks figure out that they will have very limited opportunities to shoot, it won't take long for most of them to lose interest. Long term you can reward the folks that are willing to chip-in on some of the work, follow the rules closely, help scout out deer for you and your kids, etc. by letting them take a deer, maybe even a cull buck somewhere along the way.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402882
11/06/14 05:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19,498
Erathkid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19,498 |
I would say 1 buck per 100 acres. At least where we are. Unless you have a low fenced neighbor with 12,000 acres beside you. You have to lay down the law early, everyone wants to hunt your place. Hogs and varmints only, after deer season.
Life is too short, as is. Don't chance it. Don't text and drive.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402910
11/06/14 05:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,213
tShawnB
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,213 |
Don't invite them or let them hunt. Problem solved.
How come everybody I meet is a deer hunting expert?
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402927
11/06/14 05:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,610
1860.colt
emoji colt.45
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emoji colt.45
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,610 |
what is legal amount of deer that can be taken. HF or LF. here it finaly went to 4 deer county, LF & small acre property. been concentrating on hogs here. one sow can have 4-5 at time & just about 3times a year. seen alot of deer on cams this year. fewer & smaller hogs. my i have cheep posts. best wishes
i'm postaddic
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5402933
11/06/14 05:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: tShawnB]
#5402938
11/06/14 05:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,441
TxDispatcher
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,441 |
Don't invite them or let them hunt. Problem solved. This ^^^ it sounds harsh, but unless you are going to sit in the blind with them, it's the only way to do it and be assured that your requirements are met. My family will be coming in next month for a weekend, and the only person who I will let hunt is my father. Not that I don't care that my brothers don't have a place to hunt, it's just that they decide to spend their money elsewhere instead of on a lease. My dad on the other hand, has a green light to shoot anything he wants...he's earned that right for putting up with me for almost 40 years
I will get off in a little bit You shouldnt have said that
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403047
11/06/14 06:12 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 123
burkie38
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 123 |
My rule is you shoot a buck you are gonna mount it, and I take to the taxi. $400 makes them think it over.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403055
11/06/14 06:15 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,972
Stompy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,972 |
Family,,ugh, good luck. No way my family hunts my ranch. Hopefully you have a better family.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403079
11/06/14 06:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,289
BenBob
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,289 |
For every hour of work they put in on the ranch, they get one entry into a drawing to be held on October 15th. Winner gets to kill a buck of your choice. The more work you put in, the better your chances are of winning.
Tired, Wired, and Uninspired
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403103
11/06/14 06:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
I have 375 acres. My immediate family and two other people (one BIL, one friend) can hunt bucks. BIL and friend know what a mature deer is. In 9 years I have put one deer "off limits" for me and my family. Everyone else can hunt does, hogs, and predators only. No exceptions. You must draw a hard line-otherwise your place will be shot up in a hurry. No one will care about it like you do. They may say they will, but they won't. If you make an exception, everyone else gets their feelings hurt.
Trust me on this.
P.S. I find it strange so many reply as if you can "inventory" a LF place like counting cans on a grocery store shelf. You cannot. Certainly not in east TX. During the rut bucks will show up from far and wide and some of your bucks will leave.
Last edited by Nogalus Prairie; 11/06/14 06:36 PM.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403112
11/06/14 06:38 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 436
yeti2009
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 436 |
Tell them to buy their own land.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403192
11/06/14 07:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5,294
8pointdrop
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 5,294 |
I agree with the masses. My family don't work on my lease or pay for anything, so they don't hunt period. There are day leases they can go to and pay to hunt. Sounds harsh but hey I don't give hand outs.
I have a few exceptions, my lil sis and son, but I work their butts off for it. Nothing like child labor, cheap and they can't mouth off!! I hunt some with my BIL on his place so he's allowed a trip or two per year.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: stxranchman]
#5403216
11/06/14 07:18 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,424
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,424 |
Hand them a brochure made for your ranch with prices to hunt. X100 Might even write it out in bags of corn/protein or supplies(feeders/blinds) Example 1 does= 10bags of corn
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: the rattler]
#5403979
11/07/14 02:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511
ddmm
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511 |
With 200 acres you better get to know the neighbors and see what they are doing. Not knowing what area you are in, it's hard to say, but you probably won't have that many 'management' bucks. Concentrate on the doe population and make sure you take out ones from all age groups. Hopefully you have a lot of cover to give the deer a place hide and avoid traffic.
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: ddmm]
#5404001
11/07/14 02:23 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
With 200 acres you better get to know the neighbors and see what they are doing. Not knowing what area you are in, it's hard to say, but you probably won't have that many 'management' bucks. Concentrate on the doe population and make sure you take out ones from all age groups. Hopefully you have a lot of cover to give the deer a place hide and avoid traffic. X2 You can't manage a deer herd on low fenced 200 acres, you can only do what you think is right. The neighbors might go along with a management plan, but I wouldn't plan on it happening. As to family and friends, depending on how you handle everything you may lose some friends and may cause some of the family to shun you, is it worth it? Only you can decide that.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Ideas to manage friends/in-laws and bucks?
[Re: dogcatcher]
#5404012
11/07/14 02:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
With 200 acres you better get to know the neighbors and see what they are doing. Not knowing what area you are in, it's hard to say, but you probably won't have that many 'management' bucks. Concentrate on the doe population and make sure you take out ones from all age groups. Hopefully you have a lot of cover to give the deer a place hide and avoid traffic. X2 You can't manage a deer herd on low fenced 200 acres, you can only do what you think is right. The neighbors might go along with a management plan, but I wouldn't plan on it happening. As to family and friends, depending on how you handle everything you may lose some friends and may cause some of the family to shun you, is it worth it? Only you can decide that. I am and my neighbor to north and east was already when I got this place. He has 360 acres so it is working great so far for both of us. Very limited buck harvest and I am taking off a few does with MLD permits. We have both done limited buck harvest while including family. The only buck I had taken the past 2 season was taken by my Dad. His only buck taken in the previous 3 years was by his nephew, that young mans first buck.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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