Your First Time

[Farm Boy]

I find the deer population control argument interesting. I know there are a lot of deer- my local archery range has about 15 and counting, deer have jumped out onto the road in front of me, and five or so once ran through my neighborhood.

But it seems a little disingenuous to claim that the hunting is done for population control because the hunters actively target large bucks with large antlers. Not only does this encourage survival of the small and weak, it also does little to reduce the population. After all, males can reproduce very often, but females can only reproduce once every so many months. So if hunters really want an effective cull and keep the population low for a while, they should shoot does rather than bucks.

Illinois and Wisconsin have been moving to "earn a buck" systems due to the size of herds and the decrease in hunters. Essentially, you have to take a doe before you can take a buck, or you can just take two does. Then if not enough hunting tags get claimed, they issue more. There is a specific target each year in culling that is the goal.

 

[Bugfatty300]

But it seems a little disingenuous to claim that the hunting is done for population control because the hunters actively target large bucks with large antlers. Not only does this encourage survival of the small and weak, it also does little to reduce the population. After all, males can reproduce very often, but females can only reproduce once every so many months. So if hunters really want an effective cull and keep the population low for a while, they should shoot does rather than bucks.

Bucks are shot more often because regulations are typically more strict regarding the shooting of does.

Deer hunters actively target what ever is in season including does and from my experience with NC's deer hunting population, they're after the venison and not trophies just like any other ethical hunter.

In fact, in some places taking antlers as trophies is illegal.

 

[cardgame]

I find the deer population control argument interesting. I know there are a lot of deer- my local archery range has about 15 and counting, deer have jumped out onto the road in front of me, and five or so once ran through my neighborhood.

But it seems a little disingenuous to claim that the hunting is done for population control because the hunters actively target large bucks with large antlers. Not only does this encourage survival of the small and weak, it also does little to reduce the population. After all, males can reproduce very often, but females can only reproduce once every so many months. So if hunters really want an effective cull and keep the population low for a while, they should shoot does rather than bucks.

To ensure maximum yield (venison, the opportunity to go hunting) you would only target bucks as per the same argument.

 

[Formaldehyde]

Deer hunters actively target what ever is in season including does and from my experience with NC's deer hunting population, they're after the venison and not trophies just like any other ethical hunter.

Venison: $12-30 per lb.

Rockies deer/elk hunting trip:

License: $334-554
5 Day hunting trip: $2500

 

[Bugfatty300]

Venison: $12-30 per lb.

Rockies deer/elk hunting trip:

License: $334-554
5 Day hunting trip: $2500

Well, yeah. A week long hunting expedition into the untamed wilderness is going to be pricy. Those who can afford it enjoy it but most hunters are of modest income and tend to keep hunts short and local.

Average hunting trip in Western NC:

Season License: $10
5 hour hunting trip before work: A couple bucks in gas maybe more depending how far you live from where you can hunt.

Venison: Delicious.

 

[Formaldehyde]

So you think that is the typical hunter? He is doing so on the cheap to feed his desire for expensive venison?

Do you know that most people think venison is far too gamey to be "delicious"? That most hunters apparently don't eat the meat?

 

[Bugfatty300]

So you think that is the typical hunter? He is doing so on the cheap to feed his desire for expensive venison?

Yes. For many, the harvested meat is extra income. Though some just keep the meat for their household and might give some out to friends and family.

Do you know that most people think venison is far too gamey to be "delicious"? That most hunters apparently don't eat the meat?

If they're not interested in the meat of the animal they're killing then they have no business hunting but that's just me.

 

[aronnax]

Disagree. Everybody else in this thread has been quite nonchalent about handling a gun. Arronaxx is extreme in his emotions. I fear he may need counselling now...

I'll be more than happy to T-baton a guy into submission. Excuse me if some of us are not excited at learning to kill another person.

 

[Farm Boy]

So you think that is the typical hunter? He is doing so on the cheap to feed his desire for expensive venison?

Do you know that most people think venison is far too gamey to be "delicious"? That most hunters apparently don't eat the meat?

Hunting, like a vacation, is most frequently just for the experience. Sure, maybe some dudes go on vacation and the whole point is to see if they can bag a trophy or sleep with a woman, or whatever the "goal" is. Hunters are happy when they get a good deer, or pheasant, or whatever the season is, but they don't throw a tantrum and quit if they come back with nothing. They wanted to go hunt. I suppose there may be some people out there that both hunt and don't eat the venison they bring home, I assume you may know one/some. I know a lot of people that hunt. Heck, it's probably nearly half my social circle. I don't know a single one that doesn't eat what he or she shoots. They will often share.

Venison is a bit gamey, but depending on how you cook it or what you put it in, it is freaking fantastic.