Well, it's being discussed in another thread about the rut and figured I'd start a new thread. I can't really speak to FL, but I can speak to NY and PA deer management practices.
PA used to have a very limited 1-3 day Doe gun season for many years, which forced hunters to only shoot bucks during the short deer season there. The average buck shot in PA for many many years was a deer less than 3 years old, 4 pt or smaller. At this time PA had the largest number of deer related car accidents and herd kill from motor vehicles in the country. This was due to the huge doe and deer population that wasn't properly managed for nearly 60 years.
They recently, about three or so years ago changed the doe permit and "doe days" numbers radically and it has turned PA into a "if it's brown it's down state". Herd numbers have plummeted because of over management and excessive doe kills. The number of deer related car accidents and herd kill from motor vehicles has also significantly plummeted due to the herd being so much smaller. PA made some very bad deer management decisions and now the # of deer has significantly decreased which ultimately affects the number of bucks and does in the herd.
My point is, if deer managment isn't done you have an over population problem, kinda like what South Carolina experiences, due to the large amount of agriculture in the state and a limited human population. States where agriculture is "less than" previous decades like FL, PA, NY it also has an effect on the deer herd, not as much food encompassed with a higher human population also effects herd numbers. If it is over done, like they did in PA a few years ago, it can easily wipe out deer herds and population due to excessive kills.
FL is interesting and it appears we are experiencing some of the same management problems, issues and practices here. Again, I can't speak FL deer management pratices but I have seen it elsewhere and it can be good, bad or have no effect depending upon the environment, feed, human population, birth rate, weather, and a number of other factors.
Figured I would start this thread so discuss FWC and how we see them managing the deer herds. We always discuss why WMA's have different policies and regs while private land right next door enjoys relaxed oversight, policies and regs for wildlife management. Is FWC doing a good job based upon all the factors of herd management?
Talking to a couple of relatives and friends in PA I hear different stories. Some areas have been hard hit. I wonder if it was because of many out of state hunters that flocked to those areas now had legitimate doe tags they could fill. About an hour south they are doing better than they were 10 yrs ago. The area I'm headed to in 6+ weeks (yes, I'm counting!) has seen a huge jump in larger bucks thanks to antler restrictions. Also, I think many old timers and traditional folks just won't shoot a doe. There are just as many does there than ever too.
I think implementation,enforcement and compliance would be more difficult here than some other areas. once auto/deer collisions reach a certain point and insurance company's start feeling the payoff pinch, then things will change. seen dramatic overpopulation's in places like boulder Co, N.J. and Long Island to name a few.
Definitly a touchy subject anymore.I've hunted in about 7 different states and have seen the deer slaughter on the hwy's of Pa and W. Va. Unbelieveable. Missouri went to antler restrictions and unlimited doe tags the last few years and longer seasons. They also allow a total of 3 bucks if you bow hunt. Some areas the does are being shot out,some are fine. Ultimately you want a close buck to doe ratio. That I think improves harvesting bucks more than anything.
Fwc is making strides in the right direction. Look at all the changes that have been made in the last 3 years. Some have them been great, some poor. We are getting there, and will eventually
One of the biggest challenges this state has is not enough available land.Organizations Like UW-F are working day and night to fight for more land. My buddy Chuck is on the verge of getting SWFMD land opened up, but is now in a war with the horse people
