Shoot ‘em Early or Shoot ‘em Late

With an increasing number of hunters involved in deer management programs on their properties, a common topic of debate is when during the hunting season to harvest does and how this decision will affect their hunting and management success. In particular, many hunters are concerned that harvesting does prior to the rut will reduce their chances of harvesting a mature buck due to fewer does being present in the area and the increased human disturbance caused by doe harvest. As with most aspects of deer management, there are pros and cons with both strategies.

“Pros” of Early Doe Harvest

Achieve doe harvest goal

Often...