purebowhunting wrote:mainebowhunter wrote:So I guess part of my observation is...IS it regionally based?? or is it based on the way the state manages the deer herd? I rarely EVER see deer densities in KS or NE like I have seen in OH.
You're comparing 2 extremely different habitats. After crops are removed the amount of habitat remaining in KS and NE is nothing compared to a wooded state like Ohio. Carrying capacity is dependent on winter habitat, even in areas with mild winters. This is why Wisconsin is such a good hunting state.
Bigburner wrote:I definitely agree its regional. I would also contest its cultural and a shift is finally taking place that shooting does is ok both herd health wise and man-card wise. I can tell you that the states that manage by zones I think have a way better system worked out for herd management. Unlike my state for instance that blankets everything from zone to zone. It drives me nuts when they apply the same management schemes in urban areas with 100 plus deer/sq.mi. with areas on public that have the habitat to hold more deer but still hover around 15-20 per sq. mi. I know in my state, pressure from farmers, politicians and the insurance companies dictate deer management. Not science. So its become more reactive than pro-active. Luckily for me on the state ground I manage I don't have to go through legislation to change herd management practices unlike our state F&W agency areas.
I've lived and hunted in the Adirondacks and West Virginia as well as my home state really extensively and its pretty evident the difference between the areas as far as deer density and ratios. busting your rear on snow shoes for miles on end looking for a track in Franklin County NY for a whole season and not seeing squat is a reality
It is interesting that in my state, its the same thing. I have heard guys waving the mancard around about never shooting a doe and how proud they are of that. My dad grew up and hunted in the Adirondacks. Visited upstate NY a bunch but never hunted. Beautiful area but not a lot of deer.