Should there be any consideration on trying to get to the 1:1 buck/doe ratio for the herd?
Filed under: Deer Management
Question: I just watched the newest “how many does to harvest” episode. It seemed like the criteria on annual doe harvest was implied to be based solely on the condition the the conditions you find your in your food plots.
Should there be any consideration on trying to get to the 1:1 buck/doe ratio for the herd? GrowingDeer has been our “North Star” and we want to get things right.
Answer:
A deer herd’s adult sex ratio is certainly an important consideration when managing populations. However, it has a much smaller impact on herd and habitat quality compared to the number of deer compared to the amount of quality forage per deer. In addition, it’s much easier for most folks to make an accurate estimate of the balance between the number of deer and the amount of quality groceries than it is a herd’s adult sex ratio.
Years ago I attended a conference at Texas A&M University about deer genetics. I was prepared to learn about gene sequences, etc. The keynote speaker opened the conference by saying “From a deer management point of view, let me share the three most important things about genetics”. With pencil ready and extreme focus I listened as the speaker said “Nutrition. Nutrition. Nutrition.”
I’ve never forgotten that lesson.
