BACKROADS AND BOBTAILS
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOE MANAGEMENT
by Bob Kornegay

Antlerless deer harvest is one of the most important components of a deer management plan. Many things can be accomplished with an adequate harvest of does, all of which will ultimately affect the buck population. Among these are balanced sex ratio, shorter and earlier breeding season, increased reproduction, and improved deer herd health.

"Hunters and landowners are often reluctant to harvest does because they're afraid they don't have enough deer on their properties," said wildlife biologist Kevin Holsonback. This is a misconception contradicted by sound information about general deer biology and the affects of antlerless harvest."

According to Holsonback, a balanced sex ratio is important because all the does in a disproportionate population will not be bred in a timely manner or not bred at all.

"Many does may not be bred during their first estrous cycle," he explained. "This results in a long, protracted breeding season. Instead of spring, these does may give birth in late summer or early fall. Their fawns will encounter vegetation that is generally poor in quality and quantity as it hardens off' for the winter. Late-born fawns come out of their first winter in poorer condition than early born fawns. In addition, many late-born bucks will have poor antler development as 1 year olds."

Also, a prolonged breeding season will wear bucks down more than will a shorter, more intense rut. A buck will enter late winter and early spring in much poorer physical condition. They face a tougher recovery period in spring and summer, which can affect antler development and body weights the following year.

"A given habitat can only support a certain number of deer in healthy condition," Holsonback said. "If the number of deer exceeds this level, habitat degradation and poorer herd health result. About one-third of a deer herd should be removed each year to maintain a stable population. If the sex ratio is balanced, doe harvest should make up between 40 and 60 percent of the overall kill."

Fawn production, said the scientist, typically increases with proper doe management.

"Fifty does in good condition produce more fawns than 100 unhealthy does," he explained. "Also, fawns produced by healthy does tend to have higher survival rates than fawns born to does in poor condition."

When deciding to harvest does, hunters must be careful to avoid harvesting buck fawns or "button" bucks. This is easy with just a little practice at identification. By waiting until several deer are present, a size comparison of adult does and fawns can be made and the larger and longer faces of the does can be noted. The head of most buck fawns is flatter than a does head and the developing pedicels or "buttons" are often visible upon close observation.

"Behavioral clues can also help distinguish age classes of antlerless deer," said Holsonback. "Fawns are usually more playful than adults and are generally not as cautious. Plus, fawns are often the first deer to arrive at a feeding area."

The importance of proper doe management to ensure a quality deer herd cannot be overstated.

"Managing antlerless deer harvest is just as important as managing buck harvest," Holsonback concluded. "As a matter of fact, a good deer management plan will always place equal importance on managing both bucks and does. Often, in their attempt to meet harvest goals, hunters may forget that hunting does that have been pressured can be just as challenging as trying to harvest a wise, mature buck. Don't overlook this opportunity to enjoy a challenging and exciting hunt when trying to improve your deer herd."