1. The late antlerless season was included in both proposals so like it or not, it was going to happen.
2. Based on 2010's data (which is the last I've seen this broken down this way) only 4.8 % of hunters killed more than 3 deer and only 2.2% of hunters killed more than 4 deer.
3. Do I think there are areas that have been overhunted, had too many deer killed with depredation permits, had a couple of rough winters and bouts of EHD? Sure. Do I think that statewide the herd is in trouble? No, I don't.
Point being...according to the DNR, since 2011 the number of counties with a bonus quota of 8 has dropped from 45 to 23 (as of this coming season) and they lowered the counties eligible to participate in the late antlerless season to 60 (I believe).
So knowing all of this, plus the fact that herd reduction has been going on, it begs the question.....For those who aren't happy, just what would you have had the DNR do for this season?
1. The original late antlerless season proposal was a replacement for...not an ADDITION to... general firearms days. Big difference.
2. I keep reading about the old 2010 data. Since the current regs ARE the concern...I would like to see how that 2010 data compares to the first few years of crossbows, added firearms days, and bundle licensing.
3. Statewide? So, if you are not seeing deer where you live, but a guy 60 miles away has plenty of deer....that's OK? I'll go out on a limb here and say...if it were not for ever increasing private deer management practices, the herd would be in much worse shape...statewide.
The DNR tell me that I can kill legally kill 20 deer off the farm this year...and that does NOT include any depredation permits. I'm more than happy to say "thanks, but no thanks".
There are none so blind as those who will not see.
