How many to harvest

[Allsup]

Our archery group are currently the sole hunters of a 240 acre section. This is the first year we have hunted it and we have taken two 140+ and one 150+ out of the same tree. Where is the point to stop shooting bucks to ensure good genetics and quality deer for years to come? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Central Iowa]

All depends on the groups goals, what the current age structure, and sex ratio is. Getting a properties herd as close to a 1:1 ratio as possible would be the goal I would try to achieve. How many hunters are hunting this property? If managing this herd is your ultimate goal I would recommend the group read "Deer Management 101" by Dr Grant Woods, Bryan Kinkel and Robert Bennett it is an easy to the point read that will help you achieve your goal? Here is a link where to purchase the book. web page Zach Wildlife Art in Ankeny also had this in stock in the past. Give them a call. 515-964-1570 Good Luck!

 

[J Becker]

Try to let almost all of those 2 1/2 year olds (100"-130"ish) and even some of those 3 1/2 year olds. This will make for great numbers of good sized bucks running around. These bigger bucks will probably respond to rattleing better in the future too, just because there are more of them out there.
HunterMan