We hunt on near 1500 acres in Nemo, not a ton of Deer but enough to keep it interesting. I took over managing the lease and ramrodding the ranch hands a few years ago. ( we work cattle to pay our lease) Prior to my taking over the lease it was not uncommon to have a camp full of guests on opening days and to have multiple young Bucks come back to camp. Right or wrong I changed it to guests allowed after Thanksgiving and put a size limit on the Bucks. At least 8 points and wider than the ears. A stupid rule for trying to raise bigger bucks but a start. Couldn't seem to get anyone to learn how to age a Deer until a couple of years ago. Growing weary of passing on 3 year old Bucks and coming to camp and seeing 21/2 and 31/2 year old Bucks hanging I proposed a change and we voted it in. We changed the rule to nothing younger than 4 1/2 (may change to 5 1/2)and imposed a fine for young Bucks killed and all fines go back to the herd for corn and protein, etc. It's amazing how quick someone learns when you hit there wallet!!! In the last 2 years no young bucks have been taken and this year a 8 1/2 year old 10 point Buck was killed on our place. We have a 31/2 that was passed on that has a double main beam and several impressive up and coming Bucks. There has been 10 Does taken so far and need to take more, probably 15 or 20 pigs killed and more trapped, the one old Buck and have caught glimpes of several shooter Bucks as well. With 3 ranches bordering us that no one Deer hunts we have a great chance to raise some bruisers. Sure some will reach 4 or 5 years old and move on and make there home range elsewhere but some will stay. Even though we may go 2 years now with only one mature Buck killed I am still happy with the direction we are going. Just thought I'd throw this out there and get your reviews and thoughts as well. Everyone have a safe and Merry Christmas!
200 + pound pig taken this year and the 8/12 year old Buck.