Post by: aorams on June 16, 2014, 01:02:09 PM
I drew a second deer tag for deer area 1060 this year in gmu 127. I've been doing some reading as I've never hunted a doe before and I'd like to make a good decision on which doe to shoot, if of course, multiple opportunities arise. The prevailing theory seems to be to shoot the smallest doe but I thought some local insight might be important. Thanks to any who reply.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Woodchuck on June 16, 2014, 01:11:19 PM
Post by: h20hunter on June 16, 2014, 01:13:23 PM
Post by: deltaops on June 16, 2014, 01:14:41 PM
As an "out" doe killer I say kill that biggest one you see that doesn't have a baby with it.
Pretty much what I would do!
Post by: aorams on June 16, 2014, 01:17:18 PM
The reason for the smallest seems to be that bigger bodied does are better at carrying bigger bodied babies that later become bigger bodied bucks. It seems to come from a deer management standpoint from what I've read although many also say to shoot the biggest oldest. I'd also think that a smaller doe may be more palatable?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: bobcat on June 16, 2014, 01:22:58 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on June 16, 2014, 01:26:04 PM
As an "out" doe killer I say kill that biggest one you see that doesn't have a baby with it.
:yeah:
Another consideration is the smaller one is likely a younger one that may have many years ahead of producing fawns... :twocents:
As far as table fare goes, if you properly handle the meat from the time of kill to freezer, you won't have any worries.
Congrats on the tag, good luck and don't forget a follow-up story and pictures this fall.
Post by: WAcoueshunter on June 16, 2014, 01:27:54 PM
Post by: returnofsid on June 16, 2014, 01:33:23 PM
I also was selected for, and purchased, a Multi-Season Deer, so I'm feeling fairly confident about the ability to put plenty of venison in our freezer this fall.
My 'first' deer will hopefully be a nice racked buck. However, if time is winding down, or deer hunting will end up interfering with elk hunting, AND if allowed (some units don't allow a doe, even in Archery season), I'll be happy with a big, fat doe for my first deer, as well. Though I'd be much happier with a BIG RACKED and bodied buck!
Post by: CP on June 16, 2014, 01:43:53 PM
Post by: bowhunterwa87 on June 16, 2014, 01:52:07 PM
Post by: C-Money on June 16, 2014, 01:54:28 PM
Post by: GETOUTSIDE on June 16, 2014, 03:19:30 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 16, 2014, 03:27:35 PM
Do you have access to private land in 1060?
Post by: tonymiller7 on June 16, 2014, 03:32:19 PM
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 16, 2014, 04:52:57 PM
Post by: Meat Truck on June 17, 2014, 02:09:45 PM
Post by: andersonjk4 on June 18, 2014, 03:38:27 PM
Post by: jay.sharkbait on June 18, 2014, 03:49:24 PM
Post by: 724wd on June 18, 2014, 03:51:34 PM
Post by: REHJWA on June 18, 2014, 11:08:48 PM
I usually follow the logic of several people above.... shoot the biggest that doesn't have a fawn.... but last year I shot a large yearling doe and man was she tasty :EAT: and much easier to deal with. I did get a little less meat than from a big fat doe, but since I try make more steaks and roasts out of my deer I would much prefer a tender young doe than a tough old doe even if I get twice as much meat. I also trim as close to 100% of the fat I can from my deer so a big fat doe just means more trimming for me. But if you are going to grind all or most of your deer then a nice big one will provide lots of tasty burger or sausage or whatever. Just shoot the doe you are comfortable shooting. I wouldn't overthink it.:yeah:
If you can find a nice two year old she shouldn't have a fawn and the taste cant be beat. :twocents:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 19, 2014, 07:55:00 AM
Post by: Caretaker on June 19, 2014, 08:46:35 AM
Seriously though, like the others said, a fawn will survive by hooking up with other does.
Post by: Landowner on June 19, 2014, 10:17:24 PM
On that point, I had a trespasser charged who killed a doe 20 yards off a main road. She just stood there minding her own business, so to speak. Just as she did every night, not bothered by people stopping along the road to look at her.
Offered only as another point of view, no criticism intended.
Post by: sled on June 19, 2014, 10:30:31 PM
If you have a choice, shoot the one without a fawn.:yeah:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on June 20, 2014, 07:54:03 AM
As an alternative, perhaps pass on filling the doe tag. Many are docile enough to make it not very sporting.while I see your point of it not being a very difficult hunt that isnt really the point in this area. The area is basically in town and is completely over run with deer. The tags are meant to thin some deer out. I think its a great way to put some meat in the freezer. I live in 1060 and have deer in my yard every day they eat all the flowers and crap all over everything. Unfortunately our hoa does not allow hunting but I have a spot down the road a ways that allows it and encourages me to take deer at their place. I apply for this tag every year. The hardest part of this tag is securing access.
On that point, I had a trespasser charged who killed a doe 20 yards off a main road. She just stood there minding her own business, so to speak. Just as she did every night, not bothered by people stopping along the road to look at her.
Offered only as another point of view, no criticism intended.