When I was coming up, it was almost taboo to shoot a doe. Most of the states had taught us all to shoot bucks and let the girls walk. Even today, you still have guys that dislike the idea of shooting does. Whether you are trying to grow big bucks or just trying to keep the deer numbers in check locally, we all share in common that does are best bang for your buck. The old saying was "one doe today can be 3 deer next year." With the birthing rates of does in good conditions, yes they can easily have twins. There is allot of truth to that statement.
As a deer manager, I have learned the expense of nutrition. Plant for deer year around, supplemental feed (if its legal in your area), and the results show that you can increase antler size. I think the problem arises is that you plant and feed deer and more show up. For the average man, you kill a few does and decreases the number of mouths eating on a property which benefits the bucks, does, and fawns on your property. I challenge you to run a few clover fields and or soybean fields, and try to feed protein pellets, corn ,etc ---- the costs can be significant.
The article was named shooting does and now I have revisited an old article. To me, its allot of fun to shoot does. The "Brown and Down" crowd always talks about how good any deer taste. I am here to say that I do eat bucks but I would rather eat does. They taste better and just aren't as smelly as a rutting buck. Around NC and VA, I use to try to shoot a doe or two with a bow during early archery season. I then normally buck hunt during the rut. After the rut and as late season rifle season progresses, I would take a doe or so to help pass the time. Some years I even have the joy of helping friends in other states with their herd management. That being said, I stock my freezer, my friend's freezers, as well as help out "Feed the Hungry."
I do love to shoot does. I love to shoot them with rifle or bow but believe that early season bow hunting for does is my biggest thrill. Getting a big doe within 30 yards sharpens my hunting skills for the big boys later and its nice to decrease the herd, increase the good meat in the freezer, as well as just making hunting allot more fun..
Now you can carry this concept too FAR. I have been on hunts out-of-state and only saw one doe all week. We can however all agree that any good thing can be carried to an extreme. I also believe that predators such as coyotes are helping us to manage our populations as well. As coyote numbers increase and times change it could be interesting in the future. Disease has also hurt numbers in NC , VA as well as the midwest. I have read article referring to problems with aging forests in the Northeast that have aided in decreased deer populations up there. You can carry a good thing too far. We all like to occasionally shoot a deer but also like to SEE ONE!
A hunter and deer manager has to look at his individual situation. Some areas are still thick with deer and others have few. Variables such as predators, disease, and even years of heavy mast can cloud the waters and even our perceptions. I am not calling an end to Doe days nor am I saying continue shooting. I personally didn't shoot a doe in NC, VA, or Alabama last year. Look at your situation, your trail cam pics, as well as what you see when afield and make an educated decision whether you shoot or let her walk.
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