G1 Habitats

The First Step to Better Deer Hunting

One evening last week, I spent some time commenting in the Mississippi Whitetails Facebook Group.  Something struck me as a little odd as I read one question.  The question was, "Is anyone on a QDMA program?"  Since the QDMA (Quality Deer Management Association doesn't establish management programs, I was intrigued.  The followup to the question was along the lines of "Does the state help with it if they (QDMA) do?"  

After drilling down a bit I discovered what the author of the original post meant.  He was curious about who set harvest goals for his property.  Did the state set harvest goals?  Did QDMA set harvest goals?  

The answer is simple "Neither (organization) set harvest goals for a land owner's property."  I think I understand the motive behind the question. We all want the best hunting possible but Quality Deer Management isn't a simple task.  Conducting a game cam survey, preseason scouting and developing a property plan are time consuming and require a lot of work.  

While having someone else set these goals may seem like it would help, I propose that the opposite would be true.  The state of Mississippi does have a Deer Management Assistance Program or DMAP.  The DMAP program still relies on the land owner or club members to set harvest goals and state biologist provide "limited" habitat consultation as part of the program.  

While I am thankful and appreciative for the MDWFP's efforts the reality is that there aren't enough resources for the state or any organization to set harvest goals for a property.  The responsibility for property goals falls to the land owners or property managers (including hunting club members).  

Maybe you are thinking that you were supposed to be reading an article that was going to give you the magic bullet to better deer hunting.  There isn't a magic bullet!  But the first step to better deer hunting starts with better information.  So how to you get better "information"?  

• Spend time on your property - Get in the woods.  Get to know your land.  Use proper scent control and minimize your impact but get to know where you hunt.  You'll discover trails, bedding areas, native forage and even new hunting spots. You'll see the place you hunt in a different light.   

• Know the herd - Do a game cam survey and do the work of discovering how many deer utilize your property.  If you have a small parcel the herd may not utilize your property solely but regardless of the size of your property, you can get a good idea (up to 90%) of the deer that live on or around your land. 

With these two steps, you can begin to successfully set harvest goals and develop a better buck to doe ratio. This information can also help you develop better hunting strategies, recognize target deer and develop a property improvement plan.  

Over the years, I've come to a point where I enjoy managing our property as much as I do hunting the deer and turkeys that utilize our property.  

The reality is that no one can set your goals besides you.  To set these goals you'll have to get out in the woods.  As you put in the work, your hunting will become more enjoyable and you'll gain a better understanding of the value of habitat management. 

Thanks for reading! If you need help with improving your property, give G1 Habitats a shout.    Remember, we are just stewards of the resources that God has blessed us with.  Genesis 1:26-28.