Party Hunting?

[mrex]

No, I'm not talking about throwin' back a few cold ones and hittin' the woods. I'm referring to the practice of party hunting where one guy in a group can kill a deer and another hunter in his party can tag it.

Would you guys be in favor of party hunting if it pertained to antlerless deer only? Meaning it stays one buck per year per hunter, but one guy could shoot as many antlerless deer as his friends could tag?

[swantucky]

To be honest I am pretty sure this goes on now legal or not. That being said I would be agianst it unless the DNR could show me where it is needed to cull the herd. Maybe in counties where "critical mass" has been reached with the carrying capacity of the land or the problems have become out of hand. In the areas I have hunted this year I have not seen a need.

[mrex]

To be honest I am pretty sure this goes on now legal or not. That being said I would be agianst it unless the DNR could show me where it is needed to cull the herd. Maybe in counties where "critical mass" has been reached with the carrying capacity of the land or the problems have become out of hand. In the areas I have hunted this year I have not seen a need.

I agree swany. Do you think more of the "or not" deer that never make it to the check station would get checked in?

[M.Magis]

I have a hard time understanding how it would hurt anything. The same number of tags would be filled, so it would have little bearing on total harvest numbers. As long as it only included people actually hunting and not all the neighbors, and the tag holder was okay tagging another persons deer, I don't see the issue. I guess I don't care one way or the other, but I don't think it would be terrible. I'm sure others would see it as demise of the entire herd. :rolleyes: :D

[Shed Head]

I think there would be a lot of abuse with party hunting, like one guy shooting more than one buck as long as there are enough tags to go around. Then you need to think of the safety factor, as long as deer are standing, someone will be shooting. Doesn't sound to safe to me, just MO.

[bakerboy]

You mean that's not legal now. Standard operating procedure down here. If it brown it's down. Kill em all we'll sort it out later. I don't see it becoming the law. Slippery slope theory.

[M.Magis]

Shed Head, I don't think you read the entire question. It said antlerless only. I don't see how it would make anything more dangerous. It doesn't create MORE tags. I also won't buy the "people will abuse it" excuse. Of course they will, as they do now. As they would if there were NO seasons. That's like those that say I shouldn't own guns becuse some people use them for crimes.

[swantucky]

I agree swany. Do you think more of the "or not" deer that never make it to the check station would get checked in?

I really doubt if would change the check station numbers. Any time I have heard about a group doing this all the deer end up checked in but I know it has caused some hard feelings at times. I hear stories quite often where so and so shot a deer without a tag and so and so tagged it. There are alot of games played with the system that is in place now. I think if it were legal there would be alot more of it going on. I have over the years become pretty selective on what people I will hunt with, it seems to get tougher and tougher to find people that will not bend if or completely break the rules.

A good example would be before a small deer drive someone asks "o.k. how many buck tags do we have"?? I find myself hunting crappy areas rather than hunt with some folks who either own or have permission to hunt some great ground but do not have any respect for the animal or the laws designed to protect them.

[noboatdave]

Are there that many does being passed up because hunters are tagged out? If there are then maybe the state should do something about how that particular area is being managed. Is it in an urban area that doesnt lend itself to a lot of hunter access? Is the number of hunters to the area controlled for some other reason? Maybe it is a large lease/outfitter that only allows a small number of hunters per year primarily targeting trophy bucks but still needs to manage its antlerless population?

Will I be able to buy my 3 year old an apprentice license and kill 3 does during gun season with his tags at $10 each?

[ohiosam]

My first reaction is to oppose it. However the ODNR sets goals for numbers to be havested. If those goals aren't being met the rules will probably be liberalized to meet those goals. Not sure that this isn't a better option then some things like longer gun seasons or even larger bag limits.

[mrex]

Are there that many does being passed up because hunters are tagged out? If there are then maybe the state should do something about how that particular area is being managed. Is it in an urban area that doesnt lend itself to a lot of hunter access? Is the number of hunters to the area controlled for some other reason? Maybe it is a large lease/outfitter that only allows a small number of hunters per year primarily targeting trophy bucks but still needs to manage its antlerless population?

Will I be able to buy my 3 year old an apprentice license and kill 3 does during gun season with his tags at $10 each?


Probably not, but I'll bet there are a fair number of guys that would continue to hunt to help a buddy tag out if it were legal.

[uglykat26]

im not against it cause i used to do it when i was younger and just learnign to hunt but i am against it today for the simple fact of it costs to much in fines if you get caught........ my grandfather had me doing that when i was younger but i follow the rules as close as posible today cause the people i used to tag deer in for now have there license taken away for life cause they gotto greedy

[mrex]

My first reaction is to oppose it. However the ODNR sets goals for numbers to be havested. If those goals aren't being met the rules will probably be liberalized to meet those goals. Not sure that this isn't a better option then some things like longer gun seasons or even larger bag limits.
VERY INTUITIVE!

Do you like this idea better than a state wide antlerless only muzzle loader season in mid - October?

[jackalope]

It's like the clear stuff in a jar.. It already being done on a wide scale, might as well legalize it...

[kornfed65]

I use to party too years ago I quit because to often I was done hunting deer before I wanted to be. I stiil see it done today occasionally and won't be any where they are. I also knew a person who use to do what noboatdave mentioned, the guy would buy tags for all his family members and he did all the hunting often taking more than one buck a year. My buddy and I got so fed up we turned him in. We had heard he lost his licence for life but saw him twice this year I call about it but haven't heard anything else about it. I feel if the DNR really wants to bring the deer population down they are going to have to increase gun season with anterless only days or create a early anterless gun or muzzzleloader season. Another idea would be to create the last weekend of the season to be a muzzleloader season. They should aleast have the option to open this up if the harvest is 15% below their quota on a year to year basis.

All take care
Keith

[Lance]

I'm not in favor of it but if it were legal I'd probably do it. My father-in-law could have used another deer or two in the freezer and I'm pretty sure I could have taken care of at least one for him.

While it may increase harvest I think it will decrease license sales as there will be a lot of guys that may have bought 3 tags but buy less because they're filling their buddies unused tag.

[ohiosam]

VERY INTUITIVE!

Do you like this idea better than a state wide antlerless only muzzle loader season in mid - October?

Well as someone who has zero time to hunt in October (I grow pumpkins) that doesn't work for me but that would probably be a good way to kill a bunch of does. However I'm sure it wouldn't be very popular with many of the dedicated archers;)

As far as gang hunting, if it was legal I'd shoot some does for others but don't see myself tagging a deer for anyone else.

[tuffshot]

Lance,

I don't think it would affect the licences sales that much but it would increase the kill ratio. Opportunity, especially on drives is hit and miss for some and a bonanza for others.

Ohiosam,

I would love to fill tags I didn't have to buy.:D

[Shed Head]

Shed Head, I don't think you read the entire question. It said antlerless only. I don't see how it would make anything more dangerous. It doesn't create MORE tags. I also won't buy the "people will abuse it" excuse. Of course they will, as they do now. As they would if there were NO seasons. That's like those that say I shouldn't own guns becuse some people use them for crimes.


I read the entire question. I know mike said antlerless. I feel the abuse would come in some, not all hunters, would not stop a one buck if there were buck tags left in the "party".

[CritterGitter]

I am not to hip to this idea at all. I also don't think we need to liberalize our regulations. I think the ODNR has done a wonderful thing in listening to hunters requests over the past 3 years or so. Hunters requested youth seasons - they got it, hunters requested more days afield to gun hunt - they got it, hunters requested more days for archery season - they got it. I think we have plenty of opportunity to bring the herd into check, especially when you add in the bonus doe tags for archery season. This year's grand total harvest number might not set a record, but I don't think it will fall way short of the dept's goal(not that I know what their exact goal is but I think it will be a total comparable with the last couple years). Having said that, I think harvest totals are cyclical. This year's regular gun week had some terrible weather especially on opening day. I think muzzy season weather was a little crazy to. Therefore, I hope that we don't get some new crazy liberalized regulations out of the February meeting between the DOW and the OWC.

In my opinion we don't need party hunting, gun opener on Saturday after turkey day, or a muzzy season in October statewide. We need to give the current regulations another year or two to get a better understanding of how much impact they can really have.

Kyle

[Fish-n-Fool]

I agree with Critter. I agree the seasons have been liberally increased along with tags. I am not one to complain about lack of deer as I see plenty. But, I do listen to others in some ares of the state saying sightings were down and many dead deer were found due to EHD. The season harvest will be a good one all factors considered. I think the ODNR has done a good job of managing requests from hunters, farmers, and landowners as well as boasting one of the best whitetail herds in the country. I am aware party hunting does take place under the current system, but I oppose legalizing party hunting as well as any other changes at this time.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it:tsk:

[bowhunter1023]

I do not agree with the institution of party hunting for the taking of addition antlerless deer for a few reasons. One of the things I have against it was mentioned by a few others, I do not think we need to liberalize the regulations. I believe I am among a select few hunters within the state that is happy with what the DNR and DOW have been doing. I like the status quo and really see no need for a change. (Other than holding muzzleloader the Thursday-Sunday after Christmas. This year was perfect. It kills me when it runs through the week.)

Another issue I have with party hunting is the goal here would be to institute the practice in order to encourage the harvest of antlerless deer. Assuming we are talking about party hunting during a gun season, I see a disproportionate number of button bucks being taken which is not the desired result of an antlerless season. Yes, a button buck is considered antlerless. But the logic behind an antlerless season is to harvest more does to help better the health of the herd and ease the strain on the land. Allowing party hunting during a gun season will result in drive after drive that will produce something other than the desired result.

I would be more likely to throw my support behind an early season antlerless muzzleloader season. I would like to see a weekend antlerless only muzzleloader season that was open two weeks prior to the bow season opener. We could use a weekend in mid-September to harvest a doe, or two which would ease the pressure of the early bow season. Being in the woods at that time would provide for some good scouting opportunities. Having a two week gap between that season and the bow opener would allow things to settle down and provide for a much anticipated bow opener as always.

[TheCream]

I would not be in favor. It seems to defeat the purpose of buying a tag, in my opinion. If I buy a tag, I get to kill a deer with it...not 5 and let someone else check in the other 4. And one way or another, there would have to be a paid tag on the deer, unless of course it is a landowner tag, so I can't imagine "Bob" spending an additional $48 on tags for "Jim's" deer kills.

[bakerboy]

VERY INTUITIVE!

Do you like this idea better than a state wide antlerless only muzzle loader season in mid - October?

You mean we don't have a state wide muzzle loader season now in October?
Down here it's just an excuse to bust that big one before the bowhunters get to it and check it in as shot in Shawnee State Forest. The new permit system has helped.

[mrex]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.

[bowhunter1023]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.

I will be honest and say that making the decision to allow for the harvest for more deer this year is a horrible idea. EHD hit us hard down here and I saw 50 deer this year compared to 100+ last year with 100 more hours in the stand. I did not find that many bodies, but things were not right in our area this year. I think we need to give the herd a year, or two, to recover from the outbreak of EHD. I for one, do not think there are too many deer.

[XX78]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.

Have the ability to add to season dates while in the calandar year. For instance if the numbers are still down by muzzleloader season, extend the season a few more days. It would make some people unhappy because they could miss the extra days due to work. It would allow for more deer to be harvested while not getting a full barage of hunters. What about a special drawing for an extra gun season tag for certain areas come late season?

[switchback xt hunter]

I don't see a problem with this.

Let's say my father is to old to hunt and he still buys a tag every year. What is the issue of me harvesting a doe on his tag. The population is still being reduced and the tag was purchased legally.

I don't do this but I was just asking.

[bowhunter1023]

Let's say my father is to old to hunt and he still buys a tag every year. What is the issue of me harvesting a doe on his tag. The population is still being reduced and the tag was purchased legally.



Nothing. But what about Joe Blow that kills 37 deer and uses the tags he bought for everyone on his street? He is just killing to kill. That will happen, maybe not to that extent, but it will happen.

[tuffshot]

No matter how you slice it there will always be those who abuse the system.

[Lance]

Mike,

I have a lot of respect of the ODNR but in light of the weather this year, it seems like a little bit of a knee jerk reaction to a bad season. Which really kind of surprises me from them. Let's face it the heaviest deer harvest days of the year were trashed by the weather, people were wet and the deer weren't moving. Decent weather on any one of those days and it could have easily been a 20k swing in numbers.

Just my perspective.

[deerhunt45]

Nothing. But what about Joe Blow that kills 37 deer and uses the tags he bought for everyone on his street? He is just killing to kill. That will happen, maybe not to that extent, but it will happen.

Maybe I'm missing something. The tags would have to be purchased by a licensed hunter would they not? The question is who actually in the "party of hunters" does the killing. I don't think everyone on the street will buy a hunting license and deer tags so Joe can kill them.

With that, my first impulse is no, I'm not for it at least at this time.
Kyle said it best.

[Redhunter1012]

The weather had too much to due with the lower harvest this year than anything else. I think opening the Firearms season 2 days after Thanksgiving would be a great idea, one long overdue IMHO. Starting on the Holiday weekend would increase hunter participation a ton, especially maybe getting a family outing type thing going again (starting new traditions). ODNR is doing a great job though by willing to listen to hunters more recently. Can't imagine having an early Antlerless ML prior to bow season starting. Seems a little unethical to me shooting does with fawns that Early in the year. Although that would probably have more impactful results than most of the other ideas.

[switchback xt hunter]

Yeah I guess your right. I just couldn't fathom someone taking advantage of the system like that but, your right it would happen.

[ohiosam]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.

Mike,
I assume you mean the number will be down 10k from last year. I believe that because of the extra antlerless archery tags the ODNR wanted a substantial increase over last year's kill. Are you privy to the goals set and if so are you able to discuss them?

When the opening day of gun season was down 30,000 I started a thread because I predicted we wouldn't be able to catch up and ODNR might make some changes next year.

As far as ideas I have a few. The early ML season could be very effective. But I understand why bow hunters would have issues with it. I'd like to see all anterless tags less then $24 maybe $10-$15. I'd like to see a change in the rule about tagging a deer before you shoot another, especially does. If you have a chance to shoot 2 does and have the tags you should be able to do it. Youth should be allowed more then 1 deer during the youth hunt. Bring back a modified version of the in season crop damage tags. If a farmer proves damage allow him to buy tags at a reduced price(maybe $10) and give or sell them to hunters. And finally and most controversial is after you kill X number of does you qualify for a second buck tag.

[CritterGitter]

Mike,

I have a lot of respect of the ODNR but in light of the weather this year, it seems like a little bit of a knee jerk reaction to a bad season. Which really kind of surprises me from them. Let's face it the heaviest deer harvest days of the year were trashed by the weather, people were wet and the deer weren't moving. Decent weather on any one of those days and it could have easily been a 20k swing in numbers.

Just my perspective.

I agree with this 100%

The only change I think would make perfect sense is allow the bonus archery doe tags to be used during any part of the archery only season. It should not expire once gun season arrives or be relegated to urban areas only.

Everything else should remain status quo.

If there was a muzzy season prior to the bow opener I would consider moving to another state. That is just ABSURD!!!!

Kyle

[Fish-n-Fool]

I could never participate in a September Muzzleloader hunt as most late born fawns are still nursing. Heck, I see fawns nursing in early Oct nearly every season and I don't mean trying to nurse; actually nursing. Watched one this year the second week of Oct nursing away. Not to mention the heat and the bugs - it hits 80 in mid Sept!

I know you guys will tell me that the fawn will be just fine on it's own, etc, etc., but there is something inside me that tells me it is wrong to kill that doe in these situations and I would never do it.

10,000 deer - come on! Sounds like a total knee jerk reaction to me. I sure hopr they really take the time to think about what they are doing:coco:

[tuffshot]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.

Here is one, open up the leased land to hunters, you know to people who shoot deer. :whistle:

[coonskinner]

ok heres what i've seen,usually people that do this party tagging will break every other rule in the book too including shooting deer and not tagging them or having the landowner tag em on his permits...i dont know one place during gun season this doesnt happen...i have removed myself from everywhere i gun hunted because of this...:Dhunters should have to fill their own tags...

[tcountyhunter]

There's a group out my way that party hunts but they do it the right way....They all hunt on the same guy's land and store their deer in a couple of coolers at his place and split the meat up after season is done with every one in the party weather thay all get a deer or not

[Bawana]

I don't think it is so much a "knee Jerk" reaction as it's the fact the Farm Bureau and the Insurance companies will be crying that we are not killing enough deer. One of the biggest problems is that I don't think we have a really good handle on just how many deer there are out there. Most surveys are conducted in February, I don't know how they get a random sample...most of the deer are where the food is, this varies from year to year. This year we have a lot of corn still standing because there isn't room in the storage facilities, so that's going to effect where the deer are. When the population gets to the 600,000 to 700,000 head range and you're trying to extrapolate data from a few square mile quadrants your data can get screwed up really easy.

[Yeley0437]

its a good idea but it would get abused badley hell it already happens up here all the time law or not. But to be honest i think you should be able to kill a deer for a family member like a dad or gradfather or something like that. that cannot hunt due to illness but still wants the meat. just make them buy a tag.

[mrex]

Mike,
I assume you mean the number will be down 10k from last year. I believe that because of the extra antlerless archery tags the ODNR wanted a substantial increase over last year's kill. Are you privy to the goals set and if so are you able to discuss them?
When the opening day of gun season was down 30,000 I started a thread because I predicted we wouldn't be able to catch up and ODNR might make some changes next year.

As far as ideas I have a few. The early ML season could be very effective. But I understand why bow hunters would have issues with it. I'd like to see all anterless tags less then $24 maybe $10-$15. I'd like to see a change in the rule about tagging a deer before you shoot another, especially does. If you have a chance to shoot 2 does and have the tags you should be able to do it. Youth should be allowed more then 1 deer during the youth hunt. Bring back a modified version of the in season crop damage tags. If a farmer proves damage allow him to buy tags at a reduced price(maybe $10) and give or sell them to hunters. And finally and most controversial is after you kill X number of does you qualify for a second buck tag.

Not really privy, but I know a few things are at the "discussion" stage at this time. Another idea is to extend the extra doe tags through the week long gun season. I like your idea of lowering the price.

My problem with the early muzzle loader season is that many, other wise honest sportsmen, are going to be tempted by some of the biggest bucks they've ever seen in their lives standing out at 100 yards. I'm afraid some bad decisions are going to be made. I had this debate with Mike Budzik when he was chief of the DOW 10 years ago the last time they threw this idea out and his response was, "we will not set seasons or bag limits based on what a poacher might do".

[mrex]

I don't think it is so much a "knee Jerk" reaction as it's the fact the Farm Bureau and the Insurance companies will be crying that we are not killing enough deer. One of the biggest problems is that I don't think we have a really good handle on just how many deer there are out there. Most surveys are conducted in February, I don't know how they get a random sample...most of the deer are where the food is, this varies from year to year. This year we have a lot of corn still standing because there isn't room in the storage facilities, so that's going to effect where the deer are. When the population gets to the 600,000 to 700,000 head range and you're trying to extrapolate data from a few square mile quadrants your data can get screwed up really easy.
Several other variables like road kill data etc.. factor into the population estimates. I used to get on them about this also. Heck, we don't know how many people live in the state of California (+ or - a couple million).

[ohiosam]

I'm not sure I agree with you that the temptation would be too great for many sportsmen. Many of us have been in the situation where after killing a buck we have chance at a better one, not much different. I think a bigger problem is that an October ML season would bump deer out of their routine and screw up the bow season.

Extending the use of antlerless tags into gun season is a great idea. Minimum disturbance to other hunting, both deer and other species.

I do have concerns about moving up gun season opener to Saturday. I see a real travel problem for those that hunt very far from home. The state might see a decline in out of state hunters.

[brock ratcliff]

Our deer herd is not over-populated south of I-70. In recent years it may have been nearing carrying capacity, but it certainly is not now. For those of you that do not think EHD had a major effect on the herd, I will make the assumption the majority of your time in the field this season was spent north of I70.

Regarding party hunting, I think it is a great idea. It has been tradition in many states for years. Iowa and Minnesota for example. It has not decimated their populations and it would not here. It would simply give those of us that like to shoot deer more opportunity to do so. Some hunters simply spend more time in the field and like to shoot more while they are hunting. What would be wrong with killing a couple does for a landowner? What about the older generation that taught you to hunt and enjoy venison but are no longer capable of harvesting their own deer due to health?

As things are now, with the extra tags available, I kill plenty of deer for me and my family. I give a portion of it to friends that want it. If party hunting were legal, I would be glad to try shooting a few more if I knew people that had tags they WANTED filled. I do not think regulations should be influenced by the possibility of people breaking those regulations. That makes no sense.

Legalize it. I'll get more arrows.

What makes the difference if it is another buck? If the State is going to sell a tag for a buck, they make the assumption that tag may be filled, at least on a percentage basis. So, if my brother buys a tag in Oct., hunts a couple of weeks and does not fill it, what would make the difference biologically if I filled that tag in January? None.

If my tags were all filled and my brothers were not, if party hunting were legal in Ohio, I could carry his tags and continue to hunt. That is how it works in Iowa and Minn, I like to hunt much more than does my brother, so if he, the purchaser of the tag, was willing to forfeit his hunting opportunity, what difference would it make? None, except to him and me. I would get to continue doing what I love and he might get to make more jerky.

[mrex]

Our deer herd is not over-populated south of I-70. In recent years it may have been nearing carrying capacity, but it certainly is not now. For those of you that do not think EHD had a major effect on the herd, I will make the assumption the majority of your time in the field this season was spent north of I70.

Regarding party hunting, I think it is a great idea. It has been tradition in many states for years. Iowa and Minnesota for example. It has not decimated their populations and it would not here. It would simply give those of us that like to shoot deer more opportunity to do so. Some hunters simply spend more time in the field and like to shoot more while they are hunting. What would be wrong with killing a couple does for a landowner? What about the older generation that taught you to hunt and enjoy venison but are no longer capable of harvesting their own deer due to health?

As things are now, with the extra tags available, I kill plenty of deer for me and my family. I give a portion of it to friends that want it. If party hunting were legal, I would be glad to try shooting a few more if I knew people that had tags they WANTED filled. I do not think regulations should be influenced by the possibility of people breaking those regulations. That makes no sense.

Legalize it. I'll get more arrows.

What makes the difference if it is another buck? If the State is going to sell a tag for a buck, they make the assumption that tag may be filled, at least on a percentage basis. So, if my brother buys a tag in Oct., hunts a couple of weeks and does not fill it, what would make the difference biologically if I filled that tag in January? None.

If my tags were all filled and my brothers were not, if party hunting were legal in Ohio, I could carry his tags and continue to hunt. That is how it works in Iowa and Minn, I like to hunt much more than does my brother, so if he, the purchaser of the tag, was willing to forfeit his hunting opportunity, what difference would it make? None, except to him and me. I would get to continue doing what I love and he might get to make more jerky.
I agree with everything you just wrote except the "What makes the difference if it is another buck?"

IMO, the best law ever written for the creation and preservation of Ohio's quality deer herd has been the one buck per year, per hunter, regardless of weapon.

If the buckslayers of the world were allowed to fill other hunters buck tags, I believe they would. Skewing our ratios even further. I think the division guys are scratchin' their heads trying to come up with ways to reduce the herd and killing more does is the best way to do it.

[jackalope]

A tag filled is a tag filled.
A permit purchased is a permit purchased.
A dead deer is a dead deer.
Numbers are Numbers.

The only thing different is the name in ink.

I see this as no different than if i shoot and tag a deer then give it to a friend.

Dead deer, tag used, numbers up, and someone’s off to buy another.

[Lance]

I think Crittergitter was on the right track. Make those discount doe tags good for the entire bow season, and if you really want to get crazy make them good for the late M/L also. I know I would have bought another if I could have used them that way.

[brock ratcliff]

I agree with everything you just wrote except the "What makes the difference if it is another buck?"

IMO, the best law ever written for the creation and preservation of Ohio's quality deer herd has been the one buck per year, per hunter, regardless of weapon.

If the buckslayers of the world were allowed to fill other hunters buck tags, I believe they would. Skewing our ratios even further. I think the division guys are scratchin' their heads trying to come up with ways to reduce the herd and killing more does is the best way to do it.

The division guys do not need to worry about reducing the herd in our neck of the woods for a couple years. Mother nature handled that situation for them, I think we agree on that.

It is hard for me to see the difference in who fills a buck tag. Going with your assumption, which I believe to be correct, how many "buckslayers" are there? If every "buckslayer" actually put in the effort to fill their own tags, which should be a prerequisite to party hunting, how many do you think would still have the ambition to fill more? When the Division decided to implement the early antlerless archery tags, they listed the percentage of hunters they thought would actually use them. I do not recall what it was nor do I have the ambition to research it, but it was a minute number. Most people in Ohio only fill one tag even though multiple tags are available. We tend to think that every hunter in Ohio is willing to put in the time and effort that those of us here do. However, to most it is just a pastime that takes up a couple of weeks in the fall.

Just for fun I will label myself a "buckslayer". I have filled every tag available to me this year except for the one I can wrap around an antler. I am still hopeful that I may get to use it this weekend. If I had the advantage of party hunting, I would not have used my tag on a lesser buck just because I knew I had more tags to use. Some may, but I doubt many. Most people that invest the time to legally kill multiple deer per season likely feel the same way. Even if I am completely wrong with my assumptions, the degree of difficulty in harvesting enough deer to fill all of one hunter's tags before starting on another would severely limit the number of people who would actually be able to kill multiple bucks. I think it would be sorta like the "Early Archery Antlerless Tags", it would provide much more entertainment for those willing to use it, but not make a great impact on the overall herd.

[brock ratcliff]

One more thing...........

I believe many in Ohio are against party hunting in Ohio simply because it has traditionally been illegal. Sunday hunting was once viewed the same way. Killing more than one deer in a season was also once viewed the same way. When we started getting "extra" tags, I recall being called a game-hog by old timers for using them!

Mike do you know Randy Evans from Minn? He kills multiple book bucks a year, some of which were under party hunting. I read a piece several years ago in one of the bow hunting rags about a buck he killed. He had already filled his Minn tag. His hunting partner had not. They both knew of a great buck but neither had killed it. Between the two, they decided to try to take the deer in the late season. They were both hunting the same deer, with the understanding that if Randy killed it, the partner would use his tag and hence end his season. That is exactly what happened. Although the partner forfeited his tag, I am sure he enjoyed seeing the deer on the ground and was happy to have been able to share the experience with a friend. I do not see how that negatively effected anything.

[Shed Head]

The kill will be off by 10k this year. Idea's / suggestions are being considered.


Let it ride another year before such a knee jerk reaction. The weather played a huge factor in the harvest numbers. I think with a Sat. after Thanksgiving opening day will see a increase in the "opening day" harvest numbers. Plus it will get get you guys out of Wv a few days earlier and back home.:bouncy:

[Redhunter1012]

I think the extra archery only doe tags should be extended for the whole season, but not be able to be used during the extra weapons seasons. Also, if party hunting were legal, the person should atleast have to be somewhat present (out hunting in the same general area).

MREX, what are the odds/percentages this happens?

[mrex]

The division guys do not need to worry about reducing the herd in our neck of the woods for a couple years. Mother nature handled that situation for them, I think we agree on that.

It is hard for me to see the difference in who fills a buck tag. Going with your assumption, which I believe to be correct, how many "buckslayers" are there? If every "buckslayer" actually put in the effort to fill their own tags, which should be a prerequisite to party hunting, how many do you think would still have the ambition to fill more? When the Division decided to implement the early antlerless archery tags, they listed the percentage of hunters they thought would actually use them. I do not recall what it was nor do I have the ambition to research it, but it was a minute number. Most people in Ohio only fill one tag even though multiple tags are available. We tend to think that every hunter in Ohio is willing to put in the time and effort that those of us here do. However, to most it is just a pastime that takes up a couple of weeks in the fall.

Just for fun I will label myself a "buckslayer". I have filled every tag available to me this year except for the one I can wrap around an antler. I am still hopeful that I may get to use it this weekend. If I had the advantage of party hunting, I would not have used my tag on a lesser buck just because I knew I had more tags to use. Some may, but I doubt many. Most people that invest the time to legally kill multiple deer per season likely feel the same way. Even if I am completely wrong with my assumptions, the degree of difficulty in harvesting enough deer to fill all of one hunter's tags before starting on another would severely limit the number of people who would actually be able to kill multiple bucks. I think it would be sorta like the "Early Archery Antlerless Tags", it would provide much more entertainment for those willing to use it, but not make a great impact on the overall herd. I agree with what you're saying.

I was envisioning a system where the "Brock" err "buckslayers" of the world could kill as many bucks as they wanted, in any order without filling their own quota, as long as cousin Larry, uncle Merrill or sister Milo was willing to put their buck tag on it. I can think of a lot of trophy hunters that would kill multiple bucks under that format.

[mrex]

I think the extra archery only doe tags should be extended for the whole season, but not be able to be used during the extra weapons seasons. Also, if party hunting were legal, the person should atleast have to be somewhat present (out hunting in the same general area).

MREX, what are the odds/percentages this happens?

IMO - 50/50

[HeartLunger]

I agree with what you're saying.

I was envisioning a system where the "Brock" err "buckslayers" of the world could kill as many bucks as they wanted, in any order without filling their own quota, as long as cousin Larry, uncle Merrill or sister Milo was willing to put their buck tag on it. I can think of a lot of trophy hunters that would kill multiple bucks under that format.

Milo is a female? :yikes: Where's that dag'gon pot stirring smilie?

[CritterGitter]

Seems to me this pressure to increase the harvest goes right back to the farm bureau and all their constituents that won't grant access to hunters. I suppose some got fed up with slob hunters and the like, but the ODNR would do better to find a way to bridge that gap. It would do more to appease both sides of the aisle rather than introducing new liberalized regulations.

I also think telechek........if and when it comes is going to be a bad deal, but that may be for another thread.

Kyle

[brock ratcliff]

Seems to me this pressure to increase the harvest goes right back to the farm bureau and all their constituents that won't grant access to hunters. I suppose some got fed up with slob hunters and the like, but the ODNR would do better to find a way to bridge that gap. It would do more to appease both sides of the aisle rather than introducing new liberalized regulations.

I also think telechek........if and when it comes is going to be a bad deal, but that may be for another thread.

Kyle

I am curious. Why do you think telecheck is a bad system?

[CritterGitter]

Well, I though it was supposed to be for another thread, but since I brought it up here are my thoughts on it. I think it would make it all to easy for good sportsmen to make a poor choice. It's like owning a jewelry shop and not locking the doors at night. Is this an extreme analogy? Yes! Though, I do think it will have a significant impact in a negative way.

Also, it seems to me that our regulations as they are now are difficult to enforce at best. So, why would we make it harder?

Kyle

[mrex]

Milo is a female? :yikes: Where's that dag'gon pot stirring smilie?Ooops - :D :D :D :D

[stumphole]

Mike, Just curious...is this an idea or consideration by the state to increase harvest numbers? If so I think its a viable option, I'd rather see this than an early gun season....

[mrex]

Mike, Just curious...is this an idea or consideration by the state to increase harvest numbers? If so I think its a viable option, I'd rather see this than an early gun season....
Yes. Since the kill will be down this year, they're looking at options to step things up for next year. Everything is just talk right now. They may do nothing.

Personally, I agree with Brock and a few others. I think EHD did a lot more damage and is the primary culprit to the low #'s. In the areas I hunt, the deer just aren't there.

[deerhunt45]

Yes. Since the kill will be down this year, they're looking at options to step things up for next year. Everything is just talk right now. They may do nothing.

Personally, I agree with Brock and a few others. I think EHD did a lot more damage and is the primary culprit to the low #'s. In the areas I hunt, the deer just aren't there.

That reinforces what Kyle has been saying, do nothing this year, which I have agreed with. I would hope the ODNR and the FB are still discussing increased access to land for bowhunters. Give us some access to private land for responsible hunters and we can help increase the harvest in the season we have now. Give us a chance. Give deer hunters a chance. Some kind of lottery perhaps, the State could screen the hunter pool and the FB/insurance company can set the rules for access to the land pool. What a novel idea ;) :D

[l00k]

Yes. Since the kill will be down this year, they're looking at options to step things up for next year. Everything is just talk right now. They may do nothing.

Mike, being that we are talking about numbers being low I'm curious to see the harvest numbers after the new check-in system takes affect. I hope that I'm wrong, but I strongly believe that the harvest numbers will be at an all time low, when in fact the harvest numbers will be higher than ever, just not being reported. Again I hope it works well in Ohio, it will have a lot to do with how the Wildlife Officers enforce fines and such. When does this system take affect? Do you think we will see similar results as the check in system in place now, or lower numbers?

[mrex]

Mike, being that we are talking about numbers being low I'm curious to see the harvest numbers after the new check-in system takes affect. I hope that I'm wrong, but I strongly believe that the harvest numbers will be at an all time low, when in fact the harvest numbers will be higher than ever, just not being reported. Again I hope it works well in Ohio, it will have a lot to do with how the Wildlife Officers enforce fines and such. When does this system take affect? Do you think we will see similar results as the check in system in place now, or lower numbers?I believe the hope is that more deer will be checked in as our current system is not always very convenient.

[ap0317ah]

wait I must of missed this when and how are they changing the check in system I'd just like to know.
Tom

[hippiehunter]

If ya wanna see too many deer goto WV. Also IMO more antlerless tags also means more bb killed. If ya don't believe me come to WV. Your allowed something like 9-10 deer in WV maybe more. Three of these can be bucks no matter how ya take em. the other 6-8 can be antlerless. Problem is the 6-8 are 3-5 bb plus your normal buck kill equals something like 68000 bucks and 86000 antlerless yet when ya figure in bb it's like your killing 100000 bucks

[OLDHAT]

If they simply wanted numbers, then they need to go to a "free" no tag required later in the year (January/Feb) if they need to adjust/up the numbers...but I am sure that the word "free" doesn't fall into the ODNR vocabulary anywhere! But again, if they want the numbers, then they have to be willing to forget about the revenue.

They could also propose a late season gun hunt. The gun hunt would come after January 15th. The duration of this hunt would be equated by how many days verses how many deer they need to get to the numbers. So, if they need another 10K, then guess what maybe the season is 3 days long in January. If they need 5K, then maybe it's only 1 day....who knows. But it would be a "floating" season. The season would not be guaranteed, but would be used as an adjustment for the herd size if needed.

They could also do a "kill 4 does earn an additional buck tag". I'm sure you'd have a hell of a lot of bowhunters going on a killing spree if this were to happen...I know that I'd personally take an early season week of vacation to hunt to fill the 4 doe tags in order to get an additional buck tag.


Oldhat