Is QDM Right for You?
Quality deer management is not a panacea and
many things should be considered before implementing QDM practices
on your hunting land. If you answer yes to the following questions,
QDM may be right for you.
-> Do you have enough acreage to manage your deer population
without being severely affected by hunting pressure on adjacent
properties? If not, will your neighbors join you and possibly
others in forming a QDM cooperative?
-> Is the habitat on your hunting property adequate
to produce and maintain a healthy deer herd? If not, do you and
your hunting companions have the funds, equipment, and commitment
to manage and improve the habitat?
-> Do the deer-hunting regulations in your state allow
enough flexibility to manage your herd? Does your state wildlife
agency encourage and assist landowners with management and allow
adequate doe harvests?
-> Are you and your hunting companions prepared to commit
to a long-term (often five or more years) management program?
-> Do you and your hunting companions understand the
financial, time, and energy commitments and have realistic expectations
regarding a QDM program?
When considering QDM, realistic expectations must be stressed.
Management goals should be set with the potential of the local
herd in mind. As a quality herd becomes established, it is important
not to let expectations exceed the capabilities of the herd or
habitat. Significant changes to deer herds and deer habitats do
not happen overnight and often take several years to become obvious.