deer numbers

shedaddict · Oct 27, 2004

It's still fairly early in the game to worry, but I am up in northern Utah, and as more and more snow piles up, and I see big deer after big deer coming out of the hills in trucks, I'm wondering if anyone else is as concerned as me about both deer being harvested now as well as their survival for the upcoming winter. Am I speaking to soon?

DallanC · Oct 28, 2004

Facts are with the wet spring and such we had terrific antler growth. What used to be smaller bucks grew great antlers this year. You think its coincidence that we have seen so many recordbook contenders this year, nearly 1 per week, harvested in Utah and surrounding states?

Yes alot are getting harvested but truth be told, there are ALOT of deer around this year. As always however, I am very concerned with the upcomming winter. I think we are in for massive winter kill.... I hope I'm wrong.

-DallanC

quickdrawkinker · Oct 28, 2004

Shed,
I was beginning to think I was the only one worried about this, they flat out got slaughtered this year. It was the best rifle hunt I've been on ever. Opening morning I let a dozen little bucks go by only to hear them get blasted when they went into the next canyon. I saw more big bucks in the back of trucks than I have ever seen before too. The snow definately had them moving. Hopefully there are a few big boys left to pass on some good genes during the rut!

DallanC · Oct 28, 2004

Also isnt this what everyone here on MM has been harping about for years now? Stop shooting little ones so they grow up to be big ones? Seems every "big" buck harvested is 1 more "little" buck that will live this year to be "bigger" next year.

-DallanC

quickdrawkinker · Oct 28, 2004

Exactly! Wish more people could adopt that way of thinking. Let em' grow!

ktc · Oct 28, 2004

Dallan don't get your shorts in a wad.;-)

I think we need to let the little and medium ones grow. I hate to say it guys, but the "I got a tag and I want the meat bucks" are starting to fall by the dozens. Heard of 3 more tonight. "They are just little ones, but we want the meat." I guess that is their perogative.

I have been thrown off by the snow. I like the high country and my pony doesn't have snowshoes. Jimk was right, they are down anyway. I was wrong I thought some would be left high. I have been trying some different spots and the 3 tonight came from my 3 buck and a 150 head or so area. Not good guys. Not good at all.

I suck at hunting. All I do is travel by horseback as far away from roads as I can, but just can't seem to locate a shooter. Maybe I ought to hammer that 6" spike that you have to look at for a long time and get him to turn just right to see his twigs. He would be tender and make some good eatin'. Maybe I will light a doobie and submit a photo.

Don, cut the harvest in half by issuing half the tags. Please!