Outdoors Blog Forum

One vote for Quality

Dave (and Jennifer Chambers), Thanks to both of you for your informative and unbiased articles regarding Quality Deer Management (QDM). I hunt in the northeast Thumb and similar to Randy Rutkowski of Ubly, my neighbors and I have created a QDM co-op approaching 1000 acres in size. We’re in our 4th year and harvest opportunities for 2½ to 3½-year-old-bucks continues to increase annually. Sure, we had a couple of lean years when we started passing up the young (dumb) bucks, but now the pipeline is filled and we couldn’t be happier. Many of us may not get buck this year or next, as an older (wiser) buck is extremely challenging to hunt. But these older bucks provide an excitement in the woods like none other during the hunting season. It wasn’t until these older bucks became present that sparring, scraping, and fighting became more common. Responding to calls and decoys actually works now, because the mature bucks have fewer does available and the competition to breed gets intense. There’s no turning back for us and I’m sure that others would appreciate the results themselves, if they would just give it a try. I’m fortunate to be in a well supported QDM area, but others not sure where to turn can call the QDMA at 800-209-3337, where they’ll be directed to QDM contacts in their hunting area. To them I say, try it! You’ll wish you started years ago! Paul P. / Huron County

One vote for Quality

QDM Works.

Hello Dave I agree with your comments in "one vote for quality". I have been practicing quality deer management for nearly 10 years. I am pleased with the results, more mature bucks and betting hunting (rattling and grunting works great). I don't harvest as many bucks (more does though) but I do see many during the year as our group passes on these immature males. My children enjoy hunting as well and embrace the idea. My son shot a 6 pt last year for his first deer and is looking forward to taking a doe and a more mature buck this fall. QDM works...pass it on.