Early Doe season

[big drift]

I am taking my daughter out for her first deer hunt w/ a firearm. Passed her hunters ed course this spring.

Bought her a 25.06 bolt action w/ a 3X9 wide view scope that we handloaded down to a .257 roberts. As she is going to be hunting with my ex over regular season this is my time to spoil her. Does anyone have any suggestions for public land spots in the early doe area around Bagley?

She has sat with us before while we deer hunted but any advice for a first time shooter would be appreciated.

thanks

big drift

[catman71]

we are going up for that. We usually hunt just a little north of there where there is lots of public land. there doesn't look like very much in the early season doe zones. I wonder if it will be shoulder to shoulder people....

[SUNNYD]

I don't know if it will be shoulder to shoulder, but we hunt 360 acres of private land in one of the eligible zones and the only reason I am going up is to keep others out.

Hopefully just being on the property will accomplish this...

[bucks-n-ducks]

This is the dumbest thing I think the DNR has ever done! Why open up just "up north" to this new season? Why do you still need a regular season license, plus a special $14 permit to hunt the early doe season? To me it is just a way for the DNR to make a little extra money. After this early season, bow-hunting is going to be alot tougher, becuase bucks WILL! go noturnal until the rut kicks in. Totally uncalled for if you ask me.

That being said.......I bet if everyone registered every deer they shot, the early doe season would probably have the most bucks shot in one weekend every. You know it will happen that someone will shot a monster buck and just say they shot it with the bow........

Sorry about the vent, I just hate this season.

[jlm]

I agree with you somewhat! If it is a doe only season, I would think that it would be much better to have it later in the year, perhaps in December. That way it will not interfere with the bow hunters and will not pressure the deer prior to the regular season. On the other hand, we need as much opportunity as possible to reduce the doe population. Because there are so many other seasons going on at this time (ducks, upland, etc.) I really do not expect great results from this hunt. Later would be better in my opinion!

[BLACKJACK]

I agree, I think that a late season December hunt would be better, less competition from other seasons (duck, pheasant) and less disruption of bow hunting. There was a good article in the outdoor section of the Pioneer Press several weeks ago where they interviewed the DNR deer expert. Basically, they are looking at ways to harverst more does, this early season is an experiment. Same with earn a buck in some state park hunts. He also said that this early doe season wouldn't ever be held in the primary pheasant zone, which I was happy to hear! Its an article worth reading.

[big drift]

I can appreciate everyones point of view. However I have to split my deer hunting with my daughter with my ex so I am taking the only chance I have. I have serious doubts as to how manmy yahoos will take bucks. But in speaking w/ the dnr about this they did say enforcement will be heavy so if some (Contact US Regarding This Word) thinks a deer is worth losing his gear and privledges so be it. I have tips on speed dial.

This time is also perfect for kids so as not to freeze em out or as in my fathers case before he passed he was limited in his mobility and the cold was hard on him.

As to the bow hunters if you think this is going to pressure the deer i doubt it. We already have pressuring their areas with dogs, ducks and geese hunters, bow hunters, bear hunters, grouse ruffed and sharpies, doves,etc. since baiting began back in August at least. They had 644 licensed participants last year and this will probably be the last season for the muti zone license. And no I am trying to sarcastic or disrespectful so no offense intended.

Any way back to my questions anyone have any public land suggestions?

[tex22]

I think the one thing that would be nice is for the kids sake. Where we hunt the deer are way to thick, but I would never take a kid to our deer camp. There is too much "what happens hunting stays hunting" going on. It's not that bad but with the foul mouths and the booze it's just not a place for a kid. But this early season seems like a good chance to get the young ones hunting early.