Spikehorn Rule Marks Deer Season Opening

http://www.thechamplainchannel.com/news/5321316/detail.html ^ | 11 15 05

[freepatriot32]

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- The first weekend of deer season began with hunters adjusting to a new rule: spikehorn deer -- male deer that have just a single antler -- are off limits to this year.

The regulation is designed to try and strengthen herd numbers. The regulations also reduce the number of deer a hunter can take during the state's archery, rifle and black powder seasons from three to two.

"I was a little bit worried about it this year, but I think in the end it will be well-worth it," said hunter Jeff Kershner. I would like to see bigger deer in the woods myself."

The annual 16-day rifle-hunting season started at sunrise Nov. 12. Black powder season runs from Dec. 3 – 11.

Last year 86,000 people bought hunting licenses in Vermont.

[freepatriot32]

what do the freeper hunters think of the new rules ?

[Dog Gone]

I think shooting anything less than a fully mature deer is a disgrace. Shooting a spike is just nuts.

[muawiyah]

Due to the incredible overabundance of deer around here, I'd say shooting so many that they start falling out of the back of your pickup means you probably ought to buy a bigger one.

[Ditter]

A spike buck, if he has spikes of 4" to 6" or more is an inferior deer and should be shot to improve the herd. This is not to be confused with a button buck who was born late and is still a baby. A young buck, with good potential to be a trophy, should be at least a 4 point or a six point by his first hunting season. So saith Mr. Ditter the Master Hunter.

[muawiyah]

What's this trophy stuff? Don't you guys eat what you kill? Around here all the guys I know who hunt deer regularly have it professionally butchered and frozen.

They're just another form of livestock.

[Ditter]

We eat the spikes and the does, the trophy bucks are too gamey. We can always find someone who wants them to make into tamales.

[Ditter]

I should have looked to see where you live. Indiana deer may taste better than south Texas deer. We have hunted in Michigan and Canada and there is a world of difference in the size and taste. An animal that munches on mesquite and cactus doesn't taste wonderful.

[muawiyah]

Actually, I live in America's richest county ~ Fairfax County, Virginia. People plant numerous shrubs and herbs that deer love. The North end of the county has anywhere from 70,000 to 90,000 deer. The South, more "ethnic" end of the county has only about 35,000 deer.

Yes, it is true, many Hispanics and Vietnamese are among the finest of public spirited citizens ~ they keep that deer heard culled. They'd do a better job but the cops bust them for using firearms in this very populated, urban area.

I have no idea why anyone would wish to propagate more deer.

[muawiyah]

BTW, I'm originally from Indiana. With the introduction of high lysine corn, deer need eat nothing more than leftover corn in the fields to thrive.

They were nearly overrun a decade or so ago and had to liberate the deer limits.

Serious consideration was given to a standard of no more than a large pickup truck full per day (in season).

My understanding now is that they've pretty well got the herd under control ~ in fact, on my last trip "back home" in August I only saw a hundred or so dead along the roads.

[Ditter]

More deer is the problem, better deer is the objective. The more deer you have, the less range and food, the more inferior/smaller they become.

[muawiyah]

These guys around here are huge! There are several people killed every year in deer/car collisions.

They are not yet at the point of overgrazing their range.

Rich people buy lots and lots of landscaping, and deer do well.

[Ditter]

Years ago we lived in Yorktown Va, where is Fairfax County?

[SoDak]

I'm not sure what the deal is with Vermont, but I have yet to visit a state worried about bolstering it's deer herd. The deer in the upper midwest and west are as thick as mosquitos.

[muawiyah]

Fairfax County is the most populous municipality within the Washington Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.

By all that's right and holy this area should be called the Fairfax Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.

DC would then be described as just another Fairfax "suburb".

[absolootezer0]

up here i'm trying to thin out bad blood. i've taken 3 deer in the last three years with 6"+ single spikes. there's at least one more out there at present.
but who needs a trophy? i'm out there for the meat.