Daver
PMA Member
I completely agree what what you saying. DNR does not make this an issue but even if they did what can done? If this disease is contracted through a bug then how do they stop it. I also agree they could reduce doe tag numbers to help the overall herd get back to "normal" in a faster manner. But ultimately the herd is up to US hunters. Just because they issue the tags doesnt mean we have to use them. So if they wont take the reins, then what can WE do to help inform hunters of the issue? For instance this season and most seasons for that matter I typically take a few does with my bow then wait to fill my bow tag, then wait until late muzzy and then wait to kill my buck then shoot some more does. Last year I killed 8 deer. 2 bucks and 6 does. Fed my family and other families. Also I like to donate a couple to help the cause. So maybe this year I should only shoot say 5 deer? I dont know what the answer is but it seems to me that we need to take the initiative. I realize that most on this site are fairly like minded on this issue, but this is small scale, tiny! So what else can we do to help spread the word? Idk just thinking out loud here..
Just a thought from my experience...MANY hunters do not think about things the way you do here. If there are tags available, they will buy them and use them, giving no thought to whether or not the population is good or bad. People like yourself, and many others here on IW, including myself, that take care to "balance" things out are in the minority...at least in my opinion.
So...we need the DNR to also "get it" when there are big die offs in an area and then reduce the doe tags accordingly. IMO, you will never be able to count on the hunters managing themselves on a wide scale.