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deer management/family question
#6041921
11/21/15 04:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 221
horn section
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 221 |
My dad and his cousin hunted for 35 years together and i have hunted the past 10 years. My dad past away 5 years ago so now it is just my dads cousin and myself. He is 68 years old and i am 35. We hunt on 225 acres in the hill country and i do everything i can to build a better deer heard. I plant food plots and feed protein in a free choice protein feeder. I take the time to run up and fill the feeder all the time and pay for the protein. He pays me for the seed and fertilizer on food plots but i do all the work. We dont have ar in our county and I pass on good looking young deer all the time. If a buck is 14" no matter age he shoots it. He wants meat and doesnt care about management. I tell him to shoot does but they dont have as much meat and if he shoots two does he has to do twice the work. He also says that if he passes on the buck someone else will shoot it. We dont have that much pressure around us though. I dont want to argue with him or get off because he would be left by himself and would give up hunting. He is family so i dont want to mess that up. Just want to know if their is any way to make him see that he needs to let the deer get older before he shoots. It is really frustrating. Not sure if i should stop the protein and food plots and just feed corn right before the season starts or what? Just wanted to vent and see if any of you had any advice? Thanks.
"I haven't lost my temper in 40 years; but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning; might have got somebody killed; and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won't. I won't. The hell I won't!" John Wayne as Mcclintock
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6041936
11/21/15 05:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,053
bo3
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,053 |
If it was me I would leave him alone. The guy is 68 and can still hunt. If he wants the deer he can shoot the deer as far as I'm concerned.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6041939
11/21/15 05:11 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 |
Not much you can do. He is only shooting 1-2 bucks per year. Yeah that is probably young bucks. But just try to set an example by shooting your does early and cleaning one or two for him to have his meat. If you only shoot bucks that are older he might start to see the difference. The more you pressure him the more his will bow up.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6041966
11/21/15 05:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
SapperTitan
Taking Requests
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Taking Requests
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609 |
I don't see how him killing 1 or 2 deer a yr could hurt the age structure all that much as long as it's just you and him.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: bo3]
#6041969
11/21/15 05:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950
don k
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950 |
If it was me I would leave him alone. The guy is 68 and can still hunt. If he wants the deer he can shoot the deer as far as I'm concerned. I am with Bo323. Just because you want something done your way doesn't mean anyone else does. What if he insisted you only shoot a certain type of buck? I am 69 years old and I sure as heck would not appreciate someone telling me what I can or cannot shoot. But you are the one that thinks you have a problem so you are the one that either has to live with it or solve it.
Last edited by don k; 11/21/15 05:39 PM.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6041995
11/21/15 06:06 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,161
SouthWestIron
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,161 |
I feel for you and your goals, but that man is your elder and family. I'd be happy he was out there with you and helping anyway he can. He also probably has some untapped wisdom with regards to hunting and life that is extremely valuable. Sounds like you have an excellent land or lease partner. Take care of him. He probably has some awesome stories about your father as well. Just my two cents.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042043
11/21/15 06:47 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 313
tx hunter
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 313 |
I feel your pain. I experience the exact same thing as you. Don't stop your protein or food plots. IMO that's one of the best things you can do. I cant see one guy hurting the buck population at all. The problem is when you get several shooting bucks like that every year and that is what I'm experiencing (neighbors). I've said stuff numerous times and it goes in one ear and out the other. The whole "if I don't shoot it then someone else will" thing is about the dumbest reasoning I have ever heard to justify shooting a deer. I hear it all the time. It's because of that thinking that some places never get mature deer big deer. Almost makes one start thinking about a high fence...
Last edited by tx hunter; 11/21/15 06:49 PM.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042058
11/21/15 07:08 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 953
Nate C.
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 953 |
Being realistic about it, with only 225 acres under your control, your efforts to manage/improve the herd are not going to make any kind of significant impact anyhow. Sure, every little bit helps, but you might as well let him enjoy his hunt and harvest as he sees fit.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042114
11/21/15 08:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,034 |
At 68, I doubt he is a huge impact, what 2 bucks maybe, you have mentioned ideas and he has his. I think I'd move on to the next issue. He comes from an are when hunting was hunting and it wasn't all about score, I'd enjoy my time with him while he can still go.
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042141
11/21/15 08:27 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,652
Novemberyet
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,652 |
I have the EXACT issue where I hunt. My father in law is a meat hunter and doesn't really like to hunt all that much but likes the meat (I usually give him the first deer I shoot). Brother in law wants to be Jim Shockey but shoots everything that moves (and doesn't even have a license). We hunt a small 60-acre farm and I feed year-round as well. I just hope what I do helps a small bit to future generations.
As far as your situation: not much you can do (or should do). Just enjoy the old codger. But surely you're only helping the deer herd-anything is something.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042227
11/21/15 09:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,675
Txhunter65
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,675 |
I agree with what most have already said, he's 68, probably won't impact the herd much at all especially if you don't have much pressure on that area as you stated. My only tid bit is you might point out to him if he's worried about letting a buck walk because the neighbor will shoot it......he is that neighbor.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042266
11/21/15 10:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449
Auctioneer1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449 |
Let him shoot what he wants and help him clean them as well. Just enjoy the time you have with him.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: Novemberyet]
#6042324
11/21/15 11:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 62
RovingTexan
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 62 |
Brother in law wants to be Jim Shockey but shoots everything that moves (and doesn't even have a license). Family or not, that might warrant an anonymous call to the GW if it were me. Is there a reason he doesn't have a license like he can't afford one or did he lose his for some reason?
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: RovingTexan]
#6042361
11/21/15 11:50 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,652
Novemberyet
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,652 |
Brother in law wants to be Jim Shockey but shoots everything that moves (and doesn't even have a license). Family or not, that might warrant an anonymous call to the GW if it were me. Is there a reason he doesn't have a license like he can't afford one or did he lose his for some reason? It did warrant a call to the GW. He was issued a fine (as was his girlfriend/sister in law). Fine was paid but still owes money to the state. Hasn't hunted the property this year and still can't get a license. That's one reason I'm not hunting the family place. -sorry for the hijack
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6042410
11/22/15 12:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 688
Fork-LegendV21
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 688 |
Tell him you will do the work for him on two does... Rather than kill a young buck... If you shoot a buck cuz the neighbor will kill him... Then you become that neighbor.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: stxranchman]
#6043448
11/22/15 08:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321
Greytshot
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321 |
Not much you can do. He is only shooting 1-2 bucks per year. Yeah that is probably young bucks. But just try to set an example by shooting your does early and cleaning one or two for him to have his meat. If you only shoot bucks that are older he might start to see the difference. The more you pressure him the more his will bow up. This is a smart idea.
GreytShot South Texas
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: Auctioneer1]
#6043537
11/22/15 09:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,459
majekman
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,459 |
Let him shoot what he wants and help him clean them as well. Just enjoy the time you have with him. ^^This^^ To OP....Hunted with my elderly uncle for years....he was just like your dads cousin. My unc was a hoot and a ton of fun but shot young bucks every year. Really had no impact on our deer herd and it was in HC and not much bigger than your place. Enjoy the moment.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6043565
11/22/15 09:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177
DH3
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177 |
I am 80. I own my 150 acre ranch and shoot a doe every year for my venison sausage. I pay for the corn and do the upkeep on the cabin. Some 35 year old son in law tries to tell me what to shoot, his [censored] gets run off..
Old age and treachery beats youth and stupid every time!
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: DH3]
#6043942
11/23/15 12:33 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,034
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,034 |
I am 80. I own my 150 acre ranch and shoot a doe every year for my venison sausage. I pay for the corn and do the upkeep on the cabin. Some 35 year old son in law tries to tell me what to shoot, his [censored] gets run off.. Well that about sums this thread up! Different generations - different ways - at the end of the day let him do his thing and you do yours
You can't fix stupid
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: tlk]
#6044347
11/23/15 03:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,275
Ramsey
Pepe' Le Pew
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Pepe' Le Pew
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,275 |
I am 80. I own my 150 acre ranch and shoot a doe every year for my venison sausage. I pay for the corn and do the upkeep on the cabin. Some 35 year old son in law tries to tell me what to shoot, his [censored] gets run off.. Well that about sums this thread up! Different generations - different ways - at the end of the day let him do his thing and you do yours yep
Big Beckett!!
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6044487
11/23/15 05:30 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 446
Brother Phil
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 446 |
It sounds like you have mentioned your viewpoint, and he shares a different view. Since this is not a legal or safety issue, I suggest letting it go. On another note, after this season you could try skipping the food plot(s), and all off-season feeding. When the season approaches, turn on the corn feeders. See how the hunting goes, and then plan for next year.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6045229
11/23/15 05:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511
ddmm
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511 |
He's been at it a long time, his two buck aren't going to balance of the deer heard in your area. Just fill all your doe tags be happy you have family to hunt with. There's more important things in life to argue over.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6045499
11/23/15 08:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 59
vonfilm
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 59 |
Not everyone shares your opinion of the importance of managing for larger racks. Enjoy his company while you can and let him shoot what he wants to.
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6045546
11/23/15 08:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,605
fouzman
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,605 |
Keep your food plots and protein feeder(s) going. Perhaps you will be able to hold a few more deer/acre than your neighbors. This will help to offset your uncle's harvest. He hunts because he loves to and he kills two bucks because he likes to eat venison and wants the most bang for his buck. You can try and change your uncle and you'll both be miserable. Or you can make the best of the situation and be thankful you have a place to hunt with "family".
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Re: deer management/family question
[Re: horn section]
#6045764
11/23/15 10:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449
Auctioneer1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449 |
Don't ever pick hunting or anything for that matter over family. Just enjoy the time you have b/c believe it or not he is probably happy you are there and enjoying every minute of it. I have my dad here with me this week and miss having him with me and we still hunt together in the same blind every chance we get.
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