There is no such thing as culling for genetics in a free range herd. It is impossible, and it has never been proven. In fact they can't even do it in high fence areas in TX, the place where this myth generated, which is why they have to have these so-called deer culls every few years. I mean really this is so simple, I can't even believe you guys are saying this. Once again bucks travel for miles during the rut, and if you think only the alpha and/or beta bucks are doing the mating in a core area - well that is just funny. And also how in the world does one cull a doe (which is 1/2 the genetic makeup) for bad genetics??? I mean really how are we even discussing this??? But I will say this, if you truly have found a way to trick mother nature, please send me over your business plan because I am going to sell everything I own to invest in you.
And btw don't just take my word for it...
"If there is any place in North America where deer managers could make an improvement in antler quality through culling, and simultaneously document the results scientifically, it is on the King Ranch in South Texas. On the 825,000-acre King Ranch, goals and methods exceed QDM intensity and extend into a higher range, Trophy Deer Management (TDM). About eight years ago, Mickey and his research partners at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department set out to examine culling in a well-documented, scientific study. They are currently analyzing the eighth and final year of data in the study. Mickey summarized the results:
âOver eight years of very intensive culling, we werenât able to show any benefits in terms of improvement in antler quality.â
I am a meat hunter also. In fact until this year, I had never shot a large buck and very few smaller bucks. I have always let bucks walk and just take a couple of does. So I do not have a dog in this fight other than to correct this complete falsehood so newbie hunters are not in the woods actually thinking they can grow every buck into a monster.
excellent read!!! i agree that you cant look at a smaller buck and say "he aint getting any bigger" so lets take him. no way to control genetics on free roam. if you want larger racks and more bucks look towards your food sources. put in time if you can and install food plots, or lay the yellow acorns to em in the off season. corn is cheap, from feb-aug put a 8$ bag a week around your hunting area. stop with it around mid august that way there is time for them to get it all out of the area. by doing so you've probably recruited twice the deer you had in this area, and the does will stick around since the area has become normal to them. ive always lived by the more does you got, the more bucks will stay in the area, and the more traveling bucks will come in. i try not to hunt so much up until the rut for these spots i have "managed" as the time leading up to the rut is cruetial to the bucks getting ready for rut. you come in stinking the place up and making alot of noise, they will just keep on moving. so with my experience, dont hunt these spots until the rut is in full swing. hunt elseware until then, and im sure that you will be amazed at the # of deer and quality of deer you see.
im not wealthy and dont have the time to buy big acreage and manage herds, but i can spend minimal $ on what i do have, and have "Pick" of the litter when it comes to it.
