With antlerless deer harvest trending downwards the past few years, hunters are urged to take advantage of the state’s more liberal bag limits and more open days for antlerless harvest. There are several benefits to additional antlerless harvest, and the most notable is a more even buck-to-doe ratio. Healthier deer, better hunting, and better antler development all begin with a more even buck-to-doe ratio.

In addition to increased opportunities for antlerless hunting, the Wildlife Department’s Deer Management Program (DMAP) helps landowners intensively manage deer herds on private land. It is designed to give cooperators — whether landowners, hunt clubs or lease operators — extra assistance in managing deer. Under the program, cooperators set their own management goals ranging from producing maximum numbers of harvestable deer to producing trophy bucks. Because it is very difficult to manage deer and achieve realistic goals on small parcels of land, a minimum of 1,000 acres is required. Potential applicants with less than 1,000 acres may combine lands with adjoining landowners to meet the required minimum.

What are the benefits of an even buck-to-doe ratio?

• Additional nutrients for the herd.

Having an even ratio increases the number of nutrients available for deer that remain. These additional resources not only mean healthier deer but more specifically better antler development.

• Condensed rut period.

Bucks will spend less time traveling which conserves energy, thus reducing the demand for resources needed. This provides a better hunting experience.

• Even fawn drop. By having a condensed rut period fawns will drop all within the same time, which makes it difficult for predators to keep up with the numbers available.

• Less late-born fawns. A condensed rut period also helps to reduce the number of late-born fawns. Late-born fawns, specifically buck fawns, are at high risk of suffering from developmental challenges which can take late-born fawn bucks three years to recover.