Saving Does for the Rut?

[moog5050]

I am just curious how many here pass does with hopes that they will draw in bucks come the rut.  I am spoiled in that I hunt areas where its relatively easy to shoot does.  It would be unusual for me not to have an opportunity within 2-3 sits at most.  So even though I typically think I will hold off on shooting any does until after I have a buck down, I also really like venison and tend to shoot a doe early for the freezer.  Yesterday, I was really debating as I wanted a second for the freezer but also wanted to hold off to keep the does for the next three weeks.

 

Long story short, I ended up shooting a second big doe for the freezer.  I am happy about having the meat but still debating whether I should have held off.

 

How many here hold off on does with the idea it will draw the bucks in?  I realize the viewpoint of many will depend on several factors including density of deer where you hunt and the hunter's priority in hunting (trophy vs. meat). 

 

In practice it seems that I will shoot one or two does until about Nov. 1 and then I won't let an arrow fly until I have a buck in the sight.  I will also note that even my doe sightings drop off significantly after gun opener and that is why I have no problem taking at least one doe in early bow.

[monkeyman2269]

Trust me it's not gonna change anything if your areas like mine like 10 doe to one Buck ratio. I saw 43 deer one day in the feild only 3 were bucks

[WNYBuckHunter]

The more out of whack your buck to doe ratio is, the higher the chances are that you won't see as much buck movement during the rut. If the Bucks don't need to seek out the does, they won't have to move as much.

Kill the does

[bushnell]

+1 to what WNY said.

[moog5050]

I think what gave me pause is that the doe count is definitely down from last year but probably still better than many areas.  Oh well, decision was already made.  She will taste great.

[WNYBuckHunter]

You know you cant resist!

[NFA-ADK]

I have a area that doe are off limits until after the rut, for us its 2nd or third week in November, after that is open season.  Public land I target bucks and will take any doe in range that presents a good shot on LI.

[Geno C]

I wouldn't regret it... just like wny said, if there is an over abundance the bucks don't really need to seek them out and go far to find them.

[moog5050]

You know you cant resist!

 

 

I did on quite a few this year, but the finger was itchy, plus she gave me a dirty look.  lol

[bowtech2]

I usually hold out but this year I took a doe in my first sit. Now I will wait to see what happens.

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