Why It Matters: Throughout much of the modern history of white-tailed deer hunting, deer harvest has been a primary driver in the size, growth, and health of deer populations. From the buck-only days during mid-20th century through today’s emphasis on doe harvest through most quality deer management plans, it is clear that the females of this species play a primary role as it relates to population management. Today, in the face of growing challenges like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), many states, like Missouri, are relying on hunter harvest of antlerless deer more than ever.
Highlights:
- Last weekend, Missouri held its second annual early antlerless firearms deer seasons in 100 of the state’s 114 counties.
- The increased emphasis on antlerless harvest is designed to lower population densities in the face of growing concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease while helping balance sex ratios that are often skewed in favor of does.
- While many hunters remember the buck-only days that were common throughout parts of the 20th century, the current need for increased emphasis on doe harvest in many areas highlights the success of white-tailed deer restoration efforts across the country.
Widely regarded as the most popular game species in North America, many hunters forget that less than 100 years ago, white-tailed deer populations across the country were at a tipping point. Since that time, the species has thrived across the continent, thanks in part to the dedicated efforts of state fish and wildlife agencies and our nations original conservationists, sportsmen and women.
As part of the restoration effort, many hunting seasons were closed across the country. Once they were reopened, many only allowed for the harvest of antlered bucks, protecting the breeding females through a management system designed to maximize population growth. Today, with many deer populations at an all time high, harvest systems have needed to adjust to balance deer sex ratios. This has resulted in a significant paradigm shift for hunters who were taught that does should be protected at all costs. Fortunately, this sentiment is improving thanks to the advancement of alternative harvest systems such as quality deer management which, in part, places an emphasis on antlerless harvest.
Today, particularly in the face of growing concerns around Chronic Wasting Disease, states are further emphasizing the importance of antlerless harvest to lower deer densities. This is why Missouri instituted a series of changes that took effect last year, including new antlerless-only seasons and a new-CWD extension to the November firearms season in certain counties. Over the weekend, hunters in the Show-Me State had their first opportunity to harvest a doe with a firearm during the early antlerless season. While the harvest data is still being calculated, the availability of this season highlights the important role that hunters play in managing deer populations and protecting deer from the threat of CWD. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will continue to support the ability of state fish and wildlife agencies to make science-based management decisions that best serve the state’s natural resource needs and therefore its sportsmen and women
