forget about the 13,000 number

[NVdrhntr]

I think we all need to stop using this number as though it's written in stone that 13,000 tags will be cut.
That was an estimate based on what it would take with 2010 buck/doe ratios to get to 18/100 verses 15/100.
This new system will not go into effect until 2012. I would hope more up to date data will be used to determine buck/doe ratios in the early part of 2012. Then we will know how many tags will be cut. Could be more, could be less.
13,000 MAY be cut.
If I had to guess, and DWR is honest about it, they will probably need to cut more. But I won't bet on it.
Am I right or wrong about this.

 

[slcmuley]

LAST EDITED ON Dec-30-10 AT 07:31PM (MST)[p]I am trying to stay optimistic and think the cuts will be around 10K.
After reviewing the annual reports there are a few units that already fall into the ratio. They have 17/100 ratio on the No Slope, but I doubt it is accurate.

Example-
A unit has a total herd count of 6,000
The same unit has a 18/100 ratio 1,080 total bucks
30% of the bucks are 3 pt or better 324 bucks 3 pt +

A unit has a total herd count of 6,000
The same unit has a 15/100 ratio 900 total bucks
30% of the bucks are 3 pt or better 270 bucks 3 pt +

I doubt that adding 180 bucks to a unit will hurt the does or add strain to the carrying capacity.

Adding the 54 bigger bucks will help early fawning. Refer to Gueist's book how mature bucks help herd health.

Don't count the tag cuts as hunter loss until application data proves that.
There is some lost opportunity, but lost opportunity on what?poor units. My kids have had their fill of yearling bucks.

I guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[4orMore]

I'm with you. I don't know that the tag cut will be that drastic or even necessary. I sincerely hope someone produces some reliable data before then. And one more point, the last thing I want to see is a reduction to the denominator (does), that's the cheating/cheap way to get the ratio in line and I wouldn't put it past some of these people.