Arguably, herd management is the single most important aspect of deer
management. Determining the appropriate number of deer to harvest by sex
and age is essential. The first step is to establish the number of deer the habitat
can support in a healthy condition. Thus, habitat quality determines herd size,
herd quality, and harvest requirements for both sexes.

It is often difficult to establish the appropriate herd size for a property because
it is not a fixed value from year to year, or even season to season. Habitats are
constantly changing and seasonal conditions vary. Land-use changes on your
property or adjacent properties also affect habitat quality. However, with a little
homework and some advice from a wildlife professional, a reasonable starting
point can be established.

The manager must understand that deer health will decline if it exceeds the
habitat's capacity to provide quality forage and cover. A good indication of
habitat quality is deer body weights, especially in young deer. A decrease in
average body weight within an age class often indicates a decrease in habitat
quality. In bucks, average antler measurements within an age class also provide
useful insight regarding current habitat quality. With does, other warning signs
include a reduction in the average number of fawns per doe or the lactation
("in milk") rate in adult does.

Antlerless Deer Management
In many areas, deer herds are at or above optimum densities and herd
stabilization or reduction is needed. Both are accomplished through the harvest
of female deer ‹ the reproductive segment of the herd. In fact, appropriate
antlerless deer harvest often is the most important aspect of herd
management. Traditionally, does were protected from harvest because of their
reproductive role. Today, in many areas, an increased doe harvest improves
the social structure and health of the herd without jeopardizing herd size or
stability.

Many hunters are reluctant to harvest antlerless deer because they fear that
buck fawns will also be harvested. While this is a valid concern, techniques are
available to greatly minimize these mistakes. By paying close attention to body
size and shape, head size and shape, and behavior, the harvest of button
bucks can be minimized. Regardless, in the early stages of deer management
it is more important to achieve the correct antlerless harvest for the area, even
if a few button bucks are taken. A good starting point is to maintain an
antlerless harvest with less than 10 percent button bucks, although a lower
percentage is desirable.

Another concern is that harvesting does with fawns will result in the death of
those fawns, especially buck fawns. However, research has shown that as long
as fawns are at least 60 to 90 days old (weigh more than 40 pounds) their
chances of survival are not negatively affected. Most states have established
their antlerless deer seasons with this in mind. With buck fawns, most disperse
from their birth area when they are between six and 24 months of age. Often,
they will disperse several miles before finding a new home. This reinforces the
need for hunters on small properties to encourage their neighbors also to
protect buck fawns, as these may be your adult bucks of tomorrow.

Antlered Buck Management
Another important aspect of herd management is establishing appropriate
harvest restrictions for bucks. Restrictions are established on a property-
specific basis according to hunter objectives, property size, habitat quality,
management practices on surrounding properties, and other factors. A
reasonable starting point for most deer management programs is the
protection of yearling bucks.

Several body and antler characteristics can be used to distinguish yearling
bucks from older bucks. For simplicity, most properties use antler
characteristics such as a minimum number of points. However, in many areas,
the number of antler points is a poor predictor of age and should not be used
as the only harvest restriction. Other antler characteristics, such as antler
spread and antler length, are generally better predictors of age, but more
difficult for the average hunter to judge. When possible, both antler and body
characteristics should be used to maximize reliability.

The appropriate restriction or combination of restrictions that best protect
yearling bucks is determined by examining previous years' harvest data on
your property. The restriction selected should protect all or nearly all yearling
bucks, especially the largest-antlered yearling bucks. If no previous data are
available, contact your state wildlife agency. Usually, they can provide
assistance in selecting the most appropriate initial restriction. After the first few
years, the restriction can be fine-tuned through the harvest data collected on
the property.

Often, deer management participants increase the harvest restriction over time
to protect other age classes in addition to yearlings. Antler size of even mature
bucks can vary greatly. Therefore, a mistake to avoid is the establishment of a
minimum harvest restriction so high that many mature bucks never reach
harvestable status. This can result in these small-antlered mature bucks
breeding many does, which may negatively affect herd antler size over time.
Some deer managers recommend culling these smaller-antlered mature bucks.
However, this requires more experience in estimating deer age and antler size
than most hunters have. Most deer managers agree that bucks should not be
culled until they are least 3.5 or 4.5 years of age, if ever. Generally, this
approach is reserved for very experienced hunters on properties practicing
trophy deer management.
Craig Co., Virginia Deer Management Program
Herd Management
Let him go, so he can grow
1693 Little Cuba Lane
New Castle, VA 24127
phone:  540.330.7967       email:  More Information