Archery only areas

[Brokenarrow1980]

I was wondering if any one else had archery only areas and if so how long did take to translate to bigger bucks. Or did the neighboring property owners get them. We dont have large properties around here so I think that plays a role.

[Horizontal Hunter]

I was wondering if any one else had archery only areas and if so how long did take to translate to bigger bucks. Or did the neighboring property owners get them. We dont have large properties around here so I think that plays a role.

I have hunted some in Connecticut and really didn’t see much difference when compared to other areas.

I have also seen “hunters” hunting them with shotguns and rifles during the archery season so there is that. They were getting a jump on the gun season I guess.

Bob

[DaveT1963]

depends, if they aren't big then it doesnt change much. Down this way as soon as they wonder off the WMA they get shot

[stash59]

Agree it can depend on how big they are. Montana had some good archery only units. That seemed to have a higher number of mature bucks. Even in relation to the better numbers of older whitetail bucks Montana already holds. It didn't translate to more older bull elk though. Because the elk cover even larger areas in their yearly travels. And these archery only game units were small in comparison to most other game units.

[AppalachianArcher]

The ones that I've hunted in GA are great. Our gun season runs from mid October to mid January, so that could be a contributing factor. There also seems to be less pressure on them as well. The closest archery only area to me seems to keep bigger bucks on it compared to small bucks. It has been this way for the past 5 seasons but minimal pressure, tough terrain, habitat variety, and hard access are my thoughts as to why.

[Edcyclopedia]

I have a good friend in MA that has targeted bow only towns and has done fantastic.
I look at his scouting routine as probably the biggest factor @ 5-6 days per week.
Got to understand your land and deer avenues...

[Racks&Beards]

The 2 public areas closest to my house (one 10 miles north and one 10 miles south total about 8K acres) were re designated as archery & muzzleloader only areas 4 years ago (for deer hunting specifically). I noticed more bucks the year following the change and have seen more and more bucks every year since. I have yet to ever see/run into anyone hunting with a muzzleloader during the "alternative methods" season on them either.

[Thesouthpaw]

There are a couple of counties in southern WV that are archery only. Each year there are some really nice bucks killed in those zones. As far as small properties, I don't know of any that have had a ton of success around here, due to the amount of gun hunters we have.

[Wapiti]

There are a couple of counties in southern WV that are archery only. Each year there are some really nice bucks killed in those zones. As far as small properties, I don't know of any that have had a ton of success around here, due to the amount of gun hunters we have.

Those WV counties are becoming regionally-renowned for producing hammers. The larger the archery-only area the better for producing older age-class bucks IMO.

[brancher147]

There are a couple of counties in southern WV that are archery only. Each year there are some really nice bucks killed in those zones. As far as small properties, I don't know of any that have had a ton of success around here, due to the amount of gun hunters we have.

Those WV counties are becoming regionally-renowned for producing hammers. The larger the archery-only area the better for producing older age-class bucks IMO.

Yes they do produce some giants every year. But those bucks are very few and very far between. And some of the steepest most rugged terrain you can imagine. I bet 75% or more folks would try it once and never think of going back. Without being a local or having local intel those bucks are extremely hard to find, even for locals it's tough, and the deer numbers are very low less than 10/sq mi. I was just down there for boar season and between 8 of us we saw 4 or 5 deer in 2 days and very little deer sign or tracks. Not saying folks shouldn't try it, I had a blast down there, but just don't expect to find a bunch of big bucks because it's archery only.

[justdirtyfun]

An area near me has pressure almost every weekend of the season. Last day I was going for a last minute sit on an odd spot. Bumped into someone else as I was picking a tree. So I think better is relative.
If you have the skills and experience they produce pretty good bucks.

[DhD]

I hunt one area that is open to everyone nine months out of the year, but only allows archery deer hunters to even be on the property October November and December. If you are out there and not archery hunting it's actually considered trespassing. It's not very big, but it's pretty cool to hunt.

[thwack16]

My experience in 3 different states tell me that they’re heavily pressured. Lots of guys seek these out, especially non-residents(myself included).

I do believe that the average buck is bigger on archery only public due to no guns. *that might apply less with states with gun seasons pushed out of the middle of the rut though.