Mississippi agency outlines benefits of early doe harvest

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks says harvesting does early in the hunting season can help hunters meet harvest goals and support deer management.

The agency says hunting pressure is typically lower early in the season, making does easier to observe. Buck fawns also are easier to distinguish from does before they grow, reducing the chance of misidentification.

Removing does early can bring doe-to-buck numbers closer to balance and increase rut activity, including chasing and competition among bucks, the agency says.

Adult does can consume 6% to 8% of their body weight in forage each day, according to the agency. Removing does can make more high-quality food available to other deer.

More information on deer management is available at mdwfp.com/privatelands.

Source: Original Article