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deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
#5721877
04/29/15 05:32 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 45
casti
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 45 |
I have a buddy of mine who has about 700 acres in Shamrock, Tx. My question is, how many deer should be harvested without affecting the population, although it is a 5 star county. Also how many feeders should be on the property, etc??
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5721950
04/29/15 06:17 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,957
don k
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Posts: 14,957 |
During hunting season for every deer you shoot it will reduce the herd by one.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5722044
04/29/15 06:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,584
Son of a Blitch
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2012
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casti - I'd contact the local TPWD wlidgame biologist - they might have an idea of what the area carries...there are a lot of factors involved to get a good idea on numbers. We take game trail pics and do herd composition counts by doing stand observations. We try to see how many individual (identifiable) bucks are on our place...then we turn over that data and get a good idea of our herd numbers. Some people say to do 1 feeder per 100 acres...some suggest more.
Setting up feeders/stands to where you can hunt different wind conditions is important. Also need to consider what else will visit the feeders...lots of hogs or cattle on the property could require a good panel fence around the feeders. We only pull the trigger on big bucks at 5.5 yrs, or older, unless they are considered a cull or management buck. We try to only take does that are 3.5 or older....but there are also factors involved there, too. Need to look at each year's fawn recruitment, as well, and overall herd numbers for all things to be considered. And, are there lots of coyotes around there? If so, might want to thin that herd, for better deer herd numbers.
Most wildgame biologist will come onto your friend's place, look at what kind of setting your have to work with - natural food sources/bedding areas/water availability - and can make some recommendations, accordingly. Hope that might help a bit.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5722066
04/29/15 07:05 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,789
Mr. T.
THF Trophy Hunter
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wheeler county averages 23 deer per square mile. Of course some have a lot more and some a lot less than that. If average number then you have about 25 deer on the property. Guessing again, 2/3 will be does. So, you have about 8-9 bucks in all age categories. If everything I stated is right for the sake of argument, then I would not take more than 3 bucks and 5 does off the place until I had a true understanding of the deer herd on that property.
Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co. Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: don k]
#5722115
04/29/15 07:29 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,291
BradyBuck
THF Trophy Hunter
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During hunting season for every deer you shoot it will reduce the herd by one. What about out of season?
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: BradyBuck]
#5722231
04/29/15 08:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,957
don k
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During hunting season for every deer you shoot it will reduce the herd by one. What about out of season? Depends if it is East Texas or the Hill Country.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: BradyBuck]
#5722234
04/29/15 08:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,957
don k
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During hunting season for every deer you shoot it will reduce the herd by one. What about out of season? Depends if it is East Texas or the Hill Country.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5722244
04/29/15 08:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,957
don k
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Also a lot depends on what the neighboring places are shooting. Unless it is the forbidden HF then you have more control of deer numbers.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5722297
04/29/15 08:52 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,593
redchevy
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Cover and live water will mean a lot also.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5722318
04/29/15 09:05 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
To many unknowns to answer that. Habitat quality and type? Density? Ratio? Bedding cover? Hunting pressure around the property? Livestock? Water? Farm land?
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5723192
04/30/15 12:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19,498
Erathkid
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I've heard lots of good things about Wheeler cty. Of course every place is different. After a season or two, you'll get a pretty good idea of what numbers should be taken.
Life is too short, as is. Don't chance it. Don't text and drive.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5723392
04/30/15 02:09 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,005
JRJ6
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I hunted Wheeler county for many years. The deer numbers are not as high as other areas of the state, but there are nice deer. We had 800 acres and never took more than 2 bucks per season. The 2 we took were really mature bucks. It all depends on cover, water, food, and properties around you. Put some trail cams out and see what happens. I would let the camera tell the story for you.
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Re: deer hunting and how it will affect deer population
[Re: casti]
#5724501
05/01/15 02:57 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19,498
Erathkid
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Yeah. I would hold off on my expectations as far as deer population goes. Probably around 1 deer per 40 acres density, in a good area. Some really nice bucks come from that country though. Careful selection, and not overhunting is the key.
Life is too short, as is. Don't chance it. Don't text and drive.
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