Home :: Trophy Deer Management

Trophy Deer Management

Managing Hunting Areas For Trophy Whitetail Deer

Trophy deer management has come along way since serious hunting laws were first established in the early1900's. Today, not only do state agencies manage deer hunting areas; private hunting land is also being managed by hunters themselves. The managing of hunting areas for trophy whitetail deer has become a commercial industry in it's self. Guided whitetail deer hunting for trophy deer antlers is just one example of this type of industry. Serious deer hunters who own or hunt private hunting land, and hunters who hunt the same public lands year after year have trophy taken deer management to another level for themselves. From archery hunting, to guided deer hunts, hunters are finding ways to improve trophy deer hunting success. Archery hunting in portable hunting blinds next to a food plot can be very productive. This hunting strategy is also used on many guided whitetail deer hunting trips. Today with the use of A.T.V.'s (All Terrain Vehicles), a hunter can use small farming implements designed for planting deer food plots that benefit the growth and quality of deer in their hunting areas. Therefore, managing their hunting area for trophy deer. Companies have researched and marketed deer food plot seeds that not only have higher nutritional benefits for whitetail deer, but the deer actually prefer them over crop seeds developed for the cattle industry. Seeds like clover, alfalfa, chicory and others are now planted in fields as small as 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet), to create that little spot so sweet that whitetails come to it time after time. Of course larger fields are also planted; one acre and much larger are common practices for the serious trophy whitetail deer hunter.

Deer Management Techniques

Another method, or philosophy of trophy deer management is called "Quality Deer Management" or "Q.D.M.". This hunting practice often allows the smaller bucks to mature into big bucks by only harvesting the bucks with a larger set of antlers; usually a minimum of four points per side. Hunters also pay close attention to the buck to doe ratio by harvesting mature does. This management technique helps to maintain a healthy herd balance within the local hunting area and it's habitat. One thing that happens as a result of this management technique is that when the rut (deer breeding period) starts; the larger, now trophy deer, do most of the breeding and it often starts earlier and is more intense. In most cases, antler growth and body weights of the trophy deer increase due the improved, managed habitat conditions. A trophy deer hunter who combines these two management practices of food plots and Q.D.M., is likely to be the envy of many trophy deer hunters who rely on luck as a hunting strategy and or hunting method.

Adjusting Management Techniques

In areas that experience heavy deer hunting pressure it may be next to impossible to manage hunting land for trophy deer. In some of these hunting areas many sportsman and hunters are applying quality deer management techniques that support the overall wildlife habitat. Whitetail deer hunter's are gaining greater benefit and enjoyment from managing hunting areas with habitat restoration practices that benefit all wildlife in their hunting areas. Many hunters seeking help turn to government agencies such as, the U.S. Forest Service and a states "Department of Natural Recourses" for advice and information on deer management goals.

Articles: Click on links below for more great information.

Hunting Land - Food Plots,

Hunting Wildlife Management Plan,

Quality Deer Management Tips,