repost
“We think it’s important in the meantime to inform deer hunters and the public about the reasons behind the proposals,” said Mark Reiter, director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. “With the feedback we’ve received so far, it’s clear there is some misunderstanding about the goals of our management strategy and how the various pieces fit into our plan.”
This statement makes it clear that we are all idiots and have no understanding of what they are proposing.
I for one have no misunderstanding of there management strategy. WE (this site) has the DATA that shows the number of antlerless shot in firearms and muzzleloader seasons. The DNR also possesses the survey that says, "91 PERCENT SAID THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO HARVEST ONE ORE MORE ANTLERLESS DEER IF MONEY WERE NOT AN ISSUE"
MONEY, is the issue for 91% of the hunters, NOT THE SEASONS!
The DNR needs to LOOK at the DATA they have and base the changes on it. Where is the DATA to support the effectiveness of the proposed changes.
They really need to pull their head out of their sand and start asking some pertinent questions.
First: I always shoot does in gun and ML seasons BECAUSE of the length of the season and ability to get out of an area for a few days. I will PROMISE you that if I have not shot the buck I want when these are in, I WILL NOT SHOOT A DOE. I will wait until the last season! NO URGENCY HERE, except for the last season. Every one I have spoken to said they will do the same. How many other hunters will do the same? I will not do this as defiance, I will do it because I hunt for a nice buck, that is my FIRST objective. My second objective is to get 6-8 does.
Looking back over my hunting records, I shoot the most deer and have spent more time in the woods, when I do not have my buck.
If I get my buck in early bow, my time hunting drops 75% compared to years that I have not gotten a buck or got it late in muzzleloader. The DNR will never change my motivation for hunting, and that motivation is for the thrill of the big one.
Once that motivation is gone, one drop of rain, a slight breeze on a 29 degree morning and 100 other excuses allow me to stay snuggled under the covers. But if I do not have my buck, look out, because I'm going no matter what.
Again, I always shot my fair share of does, but shortening the seasons will surly equate to less time in the woods for me, and most likely will force me to WAIT to shoot does until the final week.
They better not try to push this thing through under the claim that the HUNTERS do not understand it and we know what is best for them.