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Uphill battle - numbers #9180746 02/03/25 03:13 PM
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Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.


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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180759 02/03/25 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.



I had a neighbor like that. Took 3 bucks off 100 acre and no does. Said he didn’t believe in shooting does.

He passed away last year and his son hasnt had time to make it out, so maybe the buck herd will get a break for a bit.

I shot 3 this year. We have a lot of does. It’s not uncommon to see 10+ at every feeder at every hunt



For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180784 02/03/25 04:13 PM
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I had not shot a buck in 3-4 years and have gotten used to that tender doe meat. I shot that good buck this year he tastes just fine but is a little tough. Big buck was exciting and I am still excited but back to meat hunting for does for me!

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180794 02/03/25 04:22 PM
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Shooting does is work. My experience, it's just tough to get hunters to do enough of it. My family included. I'll take a couple for the freezer, maybe give away a couple, but geez. I bet TPWD would tell us we need to shoot 50-100. That's never gonna happen.

That's one reason I don't worry so much about 'yotes or even the increasingly encroaching bears. Anything that eats deer is probably good at this point.

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180834 02/03/25 05:18 PM
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I had a TPWD biologist come out when I bought my place 3 years ago and said I need to shoot every doe I see and invite as many of my friends over to do the same. My buck to doe ratio is 1:9

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180878 02/03/25 06:30 PM
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Use to hunt on 700-ish acres with 7 hunters in the hill country. Was not uncommon for 10-14 bucks to hit the ground opening weekend and no or very few does the rest of season. Happened for decades prior.

We slacked way off the bucks and killed a ton of does for several years. Deer numbers shrank some went from seeing 30+ a sit to around 10-15 average body size went up 20 pounds and the bucks were significantly better.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: redchevy] #9180897 02/03/25 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by redchevy
Use to hunt on 700-ish acres with 7 hunters in the hill country. Was not uncommon for 10-14 bucks to hit the ground opening weekend and no or very few does the rest of season. Happened for decades prior.

We slacked way off the bucks and killed a ton of does for several years. Deer numbers shrank some went from seeing 30+ a sit to around 10-15 average body size went up 20 pounds and the bucks were significantly better.


A friend of mine at Caradan, TX did the same. 3500 acres, went MLD in the early 2000s. First year the biologist told them to kill 86 deer. 4 years later their average score was up 15 inches and avg buck weight up about 20lbs. Doe weights were also improved.

The ministerial alliance in Goldthwaite has a discount deal with the processor-you can donate a doe/deer for free at the processor and the alliance gets venison hamburger to give out to the needy. Shoot, gut, drop off. Pretty easy.


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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: redchevy] #9180909 02/03/25 07:25 PM
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If you need for does to be harvested, make a list of reliable hunters [you think you can trust] that want a freezer full of venison.

I learned the hard way not to invite anyone down to my dad's [640 acre] ranch during the regular season (temptation to shoot a buck is just too much for some guests).

I used to (we've since sold the property) invite seven or eight friends plus friends' relatives down on weekends during spike/doe season. 15-20 does per year was well within reach, and stand counts plus camera surveys supported the need. As with redchevy, it made a huge difference!

Now I've become one of the "reliable hunters" on someone else's list.






Originally Posted by redchevy
average body size went up 20 pounds and the bucks were significantly better.


Last edited by rabst; 02/03/25 07:27 PM.
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180917 02/03/25 07:36 PM
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We shot two bucks and 6 does off the property we lease this year (130 acres). Probably needed to get more does gone. I know our LO wanted us to, but we're a bow only lease and it can be tricky when you've got (as txtrophy85 said) 10+ does every sit. Lotta eyeballs to avoid when trying to be quiet and stealthy.


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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: TXHunter0619] #9180922 02/03/25 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by TXHunter0619
We shot two bucks and 6 does off the property we lease this year (130 acres). Probably needed to get more does gone. I know our LO wanted us to, but we're a bow only lease and it can be tricky when you've got (as txtrophy85 said) 10+ does every sit. Lotta eyeballs to avoid when trying to be quiet and stealthy.


Might be time to do extended doe with suppressed 223 and 77TMK’s just saying


Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180928 02/03/25 07:50 PM
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Just sell it and lease a big place…..


At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR
Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: TXHunter0619] #9180929 02/03/25 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TXHunter0619
We shot two bucks and 6 does off the property we lease this year (130 acres). Probably needed to get more does gone. I know our LO wanted us to, but we're a bow only lease and it can be tricky when you've got (as txtrophy85 said) 10+ does every sit. Lotta eyeballs to avoid when trying to be quiet and stealthy.


I think you did very well! Nice work! I need neighbors like you.

They all agree we have too many deer. But come time to do something about it, I'm about the only guy out there (one set of leasers next door does pretty well, thankfully). I'm going to push the donate angle next year pretty hard. I'll even offer to come get them and gut them if they'll get them killed.

Last edited by QuitShootinYoungBucks; 02/03/25 07:54 PM.

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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180970 02/03/25 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.


Don't you still have through February to cull does on whitetail MLD? At least that's my understanding. We've got a few more to kill at my buddy's place in Fisher County this weekend.

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: Jgraider] #9180974 02/03/25 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Jgraider
Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.


Don't you still have through February to cull does on whitetail MLD? At least that's my understanding. We've got a few more to kill at my buddy's place in Fisher County this weekend.



I do, but my processor stopped taking last weekend and I have even less time to process them than I do to kill them. Last two I took were heavily pregnant, as well, but that wouldn't stop me if the processor was open.


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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9180999 02/03/25 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.

I have the same kind of situation around me, but one new owner across the road believes in killing does (and pigs, thank goodness) and maybe a soon-to-be owner next door to him, who's younger, will be of the same mind set. As far as my side of the road, I could quite possibly be pissing in the wind. 21 does and 2 spikes so far this year. I should say "antlerless" 'cause a couple of nubbin' bucks hit the ground, no matter how much I remind the "guides" to check through their binos thoroughly before giving the go ahead. bang 1 decent 9 point killed by my pastor's son. 2 more doe tags and 1 spike tag left...that's up to me I guess. Time's getting short. cool


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: rabst] #9181091 02/04/25 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by rabst
If you need for does to be harvested, make a list of reliable hunters [you think you can trust] that want a freezer full of venison.


Anybody that ever wants some does shot is welcome to contact me. I have zero desire to ever shoot another buck. I am retired military, teach hs, have hunted all over the world and can provide references, including several members of this site, if you want to check into my character.











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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181120 02/04/25 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted by Jgraider
Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Talked to my neighbor yesterday. 'We took four bucks, no does' off 110 acres. bang

My 150 acre neighbor took one buck, no does.

I took 8 does off 600 acres, just didn't have time to get the other three tags filled (MLD).


Thanks for letting me vent.


Don't you still have through February to cull does on whitetail MLD? At least that's my understanding. We've got a few more to kill at my buddy's place in Fisher County this weekend.



I do, but my processor stopped taking last weekend and I have even less time to process them than I do to kill them. Last two I took were heavily pregnant, as well, but that wouldn't stop me if the processor was open.


Gotcha, thanks.

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181226 02/04/25 10:15 AM
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I have several friends who always want a doe it two. I hunt with them to make sure what is shot. It’s always better to feed people rather than coyotes.

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181256 02/04/25 01:36 PM
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With just a few weeks left in the season we still have 20 MLD doe tags left. They gave us 35 this year!


Make America Great Again

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: Tbar] #9181264 02/04/25 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbar
With just a few weeks left in the season we still have 20 MLD doe tags left. They gave us 35 this year!


Wow! Do you feel the 35 was accurate? Will it impact you much if you don't get some of the rest?


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Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181266 02/04/25 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks

The ministerial alliance in Goldthwaite has a discount deal with the processor-you can donate a doe/deer for free at the processor and the alliance gets venison hamburger to give out to the needy. Shoot, gut, drop off. Pretty easy.


This is a fantastic arrangement. up They have the opposite situation in Junction. The kid that owns one of the two processors in Junction told me, after I paid 50.00 I think, that he would NOT even call the Pentecostal minister (whom I know) to let him know the deer was ready for pickup. Junction excels at small town bad blood. And this kid acts like he's doing you a favor by taking your deer. I haven't been by there for a while and I did see a Hunters for the Hungry sign out front recently, so maybe somebody talked to him about his community image. The other processor charges plenty too for a donated deer, but he does do more for the community, their annual hunter's meal, etc.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181275 02/04/25 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted by Tbar
With just a few weeks left in the season we still have 20 MLD doe tags left. They gave us 35 this year!


Wow! Do you feel the 35 was accurate? Will it impact you much if you don't get some of the rest?


Based on my observations I totally disagree with the biologist. Think we are going to make some changes next year.


Make America Great Again

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181305 02/04/25 03:13 PM
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How many acres Tbar?

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181337 02/04/25 03:50 PM
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We hunt 120 acres and usually only take 1 buck per year between me and my son the past 8 seasons. I let a friend come and shoot a doe every other year if he wants some meat. We have a person who leases 20 acres beside us who is a meat hunter and probably fills every tag he has for the freezer. Between him and the other meat hunters around us I figure they keep the does in check.

Re: Uphill battle - numbers [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #9181452 02/04/25 06:28 PM
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I hunt 160 acres in the southeast corner of the panhandle where our deer numbers are not near what they are in the hill country. In the four years that I have been on this particular pasture, I have killed four does (only one this year). This place has wheat on it as well as some of the surrounding properties which receive little if any hunting pressure. I passed on a nice buck this year which I am since kicking myself for but am concerned about my doe numbers. I average seeing 5-6 bucks every sit but rarely see does and had very few fawns this year. I don't know if my doe numbers are down that much or if the bucks are just keeping them run off of the feeders. I shot two coyotes this year which did not make a dent in the population (more this year than ever).

Seems that I have the opposite problem of a lot of you guys on here.

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