Quality Deer Management is a management philosophy/practice that unites
landowners, hunters, and managers in a common goal of producing biologically
and socially balanced deer herds within existing environmental, social, and legal
constraints. This approach typically involves the protection of young bucks
(yearlings and some 2.5 year-olds) combined with an adequate harvest of
female deer to maintain a healthy population in balance with existing habitat
conditions and landowner desires. This level of deer management involves the
production of quality deer (bucks, does, and fawns), quality habitat, quality
hunting experiences, and, most importantly, quality hunters.

A successful deer management program requires an increased knowledge of
deer biology and active participation in management. This level of involvement
extends the role of the hunter from mere consumer to manager. The
progression from education to understanding, and finally, to respect; bestows
an ethical obligation upon the hunter to practice sound deer management.
Consequently, to an increasing number of landowners and hunters, quality
deer management is a desirable alternative to traditional management, which
allows the harvest of any legal buck and few, if any, does.

Quality Deer Management guidelines are formulated according to
property-specific objectives, goals, and limitations. Participating hunters enjoy
both the tangible and intangible benefits of this approach. Pleasure can be
derived from each hunting experience, regardless if a shot is fired. What is
important is the chance to harvest a quality buck - an opportunity lacking in
many areas under traditional management. When a quality buck is taken on a
Quality Deer Management area, the pride can be shared by all property
hunters because it was they who produced it by allowing it to reach the older
age classes which are necessary for large bodies and antlers.
Craig Co., Virginia Deer Management Program
What is Deer Management?
Let him go, so he can grow
©2010 Craig Co. Deer Management
1693 Little Cuba Lane
New Castle, VA 24127
phone:  540.330.7967       email:  More Information