What do you think 2 ?

[surewood]

I was reading thorns post and was wondering what everybody would think about an early antler-less season in the intensive harvest areas. Just wondering what you think the pros and cons are and how many people would particpate in the hunt.

[candiru]

I would try a 4 day, or so, December antlerless only hunt in overpopulated areas. I would also figure how to do the licensing so anyone could get in on it, even if you hunted a different zone during regular season. Probably less for conflicts that time of year and no need to worry about meat spoiling.

[tedl]

A december hunt would be a tougher hunt because the deer have changed their pattern, and you can already shoot does with the smoke pole at that time.

[Jameson]

 Originally Posted By: surewood

...would think about an early antler-less season...

You do realize that SOME intensive harvest areas have had an early anterless season the last three years.

I have hunted the early anterless season the last three years. Our party has taken multiple deer each year. I have personally had success the last two.

The first two years we hunted EA season on private land. Both of those regular seasons no deer were shot on that private land. Last year we hunted public land. Still, no deer were shot on the private land during the regular season. It was one of the very few years in the past 40 years that deer were not shot on this property. Our original thoughts was that the EA season was messing up the regular hunt. Now were not as sure...

So,

pros- taking some deer out early in the fall allows the remaining deer more food during a critical time.

cons- The remaining deer are "wiser" to being hunted and are harder to hunt. Some bucks (spikes) will get accidentally shot during the EA season.

I noticed more folks participating in the EA season this last year, it's popularity is on the rise. I'm pretty sure the first season caught many hunters off guard, and now the hunters are adjusting to the new season. Compared to regular firearms season, there still are not that many hunters participating in the EA season.

IMO it would be far better to do away with the anterless season in intensive harvest areas, and instead, in the areas that need it,add a week or more to the regular firearms and muzzleloader seasons.

[tedl]

I have hunted the early season all three years and have had success every time. Two years ago I had bucks sparing near my stand when I got in they kept moving closer, then two does came in and I took one of the doe. I bow hunt and do the early season near hugo and there are way to many deer.

The problem is, in these high population areas its all private, and most of the people feed the deer and would never let you hunt. Its only a matter of time and I will lose the place I hunt down there because of sprawl and anti hunters.

[surewood]

I'm aware of the EA season in some areas but I mean all intensive areas. I also realiize that it may make it harder during the regular firearms season. I also bow hunt and know that it could make it that much harder to. But the Pros could mean a healthier heard.

[jerkbait]

Healthier heard? What's wrong with the deer herd? There are alot of deer and they are healthy deer! I personally don't like the early antlerless season. If the DNR really wants to remove more does then give 2-3 extra anterless tags on the regular license instead of making hunters pay for extra tags.

[ANYFISH]

DNR can't pull the trigger for hunters! They want us to shoot more does, hunters are choosing to pass up deer. $14 per deer tag is not something to complain about.

I'm undecided on the early season, fun to get out early but participation has not been high by us. People like thier tradtional season here I guess.

[DonBo]

We who hunt Wisconsin have faced an early antlerless gun season for several years. Fight against it as hard as you can! Public land where the population is not as high is where most hunters go. They don't often hunt their own private land. Archery hunting is a waste for weeks after this hunt and even the gun season later seems to be harder because the deer have already been hunted and are much more warry.

IMO, if you could somehow keep an EA season on overpopulated private land it might not be a bad idea. Untill then, fight it!