Post by ridge on Dec 10, 2015 0:58:08 GMT -5
Here is a reply that I made to the restriction crowd on another site concerning their definition of "mature deer".
When the restriction group talks about "mature" deer they are talking about deer that have achieved their potential antler mass. I believe a better description would deal with length between eye and nose, pot belly, and rectangular belly. However it would be difficult to categorize those characteristics for the average hunter. Another way to describe targeting "mature deer" would be "trophy hunting" IMO.
Merriam-Webster defines "mature" as 1) having or showing the emotional or mental qualities of an adult; 2) having a fully grown or developed body; 3) having a reached a final or desired state
The restriction group quantifies or rates a "mature" animal by antler size as do the various trophy organizations such as Pope and Young. Definition 3 is the crux of the debate: defining the desired final state of that buck that a hunter should take. Age certainly contributes to definition 2 but it is certainly not the only factor. There are also genetics and nutrition.
The debate should focus on the following questions IMO: What is really best for the overall health of the herd, for the health of the habitat and the other species that share that habitat? How do we define an appropriate animal for hunting purposes (ie. antler size, quality of meat, quantity of meat, weight, age, etc.)? Should the definition or typing of a hunter and his or her interests be described or qualified by one special interest group or by the multiplicity of hunters and their combined interests?
When I hunt, my target animals are not chosen by a singular characteristic such as antler size. I like a younger deer for its tenderness over an older deer. By this I mean a two-three year old doe or a 3-6 point buck (2-4 year old). Would I take a 5 year old deer or older? Of course, trophy, sausage, and hamburger are always welcome. However they are not needed or required for me to have a successful hunt. For me that is the difference between the restriction MAPR crowd and myself. I believe that there are a great many hunters that feel as I do.
Factors such as disease control, accident control, and winter kill numbers should also be included in any discussion of "what are target animals". Looking at a singular factor such as defining "mature deer" should not be the sole determiner of what we hunt.
When the restriction group talks about "mature" deer they are talking about deer that have achieved their potential antler mass. I believe a better description would deal with length between eye and nose, pot belly, and rectangular belly. However it would be difficult to categorize those characteristics for the average hunter. Another way to describe targeting "mature deer" would be "trophy hunting" IMO.
Merriam-Webster defines "mature" as 1) having or showing the emotional or mental qualities of an adult; 2) having a fully grown or developed body; 3) having a reached a final or desired state
The restriction group quantifies or rates a "mature" animal by antler size as do the various trophy organizations such as Pope and Young. Definition 3 is the crux of the debate: defining the desired final state of that buck that a hunter should take. Age certainly contributes to definition 2 but it is certainly not the only factor. There are also genetics and nutrition.
The debate should focus on the following questions IMO: What is really best for the overall health of the herd, for the health of the habitat and the other species that share that habitat? How do we define an appropriate animal for hunting purposes (ie. antler size, quality of meat, quantity of meat, weight, age, etc.)? Should the definition or typing of a hunter and his or her interests be described or qualified by one special interest group or by the multiplicity of hunters and their combined interests?
When I hunt, my target animals are not chosen by a singular characteristic such as antler size. I like a younger deer for its tenderness over an older deer. By this I mean a two-three year old doe or a 3-6 point buck (2-4 year old). Would I take a 5 year old deer or older? Of course, trophy, sausage, and hamburger are always welcome. However they are not needed or required for me to have a successful hunt. For me that is the difference between the restriction MAPR crowd and myself. I believe that there are a great many hunters that feel as I do.
Factors such as disease control, accident control, and winter kill numbers should also be included in any discussion of "what are target animals". Looking at a singular factor such as defining "mature deer" should not be the sole determiner of what we hunt.
