Why No Doe Hunts?

August 28, 2008

Question: I know that many states incorporate a managed doe hunt as a method of controlling numbers and the health of deer populations. I have read some literature regarding the benefits of removing older (past fawn bearing years) female deer from populations. Why does California only manage deer through buck harvests? (David M.)

Answer: The Busch Bill was passed in 1958 giving the authority to have antlerless deer hunts to the County Boards of Supervisors in 37 of California’s 58 counties – and many of those 37 counties identified contain some of the state’s best deer hunting. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is required to notify the Boards of Supervisors of any planned antlerless hunts by Dec. 15 of each year. Once doing so, the Board of Supervisors of each county are then required to hold a public hearing to receive the information from DFG to justify the hunt, and to receive testimony from the public regarding the proposal. The process often ends at this point due to negative public perceptions and expressed opinions requesting that no antlerless hunts be allowed.

While good science supports the use of doe or antlerless hunts as a valid deer population management tool, and although these hunts provide for additional hunting opportunities, they can also be highly controversial. In many counties, emotions on the subject run high and popular public opinion will often not support the hunts. Thus, since the County Boards of Supervisors are elected public officials who must answer to their constituents, when the public sentiment is negative and in the majority, the Supervisors will often reject any proposed antlerless hunts.

According to Senior Wildlife Biologist and Deer Management Supervisor Craig Stowers, “Sound data and scientific justifications support holding such hunts. California’s deer population is now heavily skewed toward the female portion of the population, and amongst that group it is skewed toward older females. Until the time comes when DFG receives authority to offer these doe or antlerless hunts again, we will continue to see the pattern that has developed over the last 50 years.”

When did DFG last propose a doe/antlerless deer hunt in a CA county?
Which county(counties) has it been proposed?
What was the result?
What can individuals do to get such a hunt proposed in their county?

There are parts of our county that are overrun with does.

More doe hunts now than ever! Lots of them, ya just gotta read past the D zones in the literature.

What would PETA think?  Come on guys...does?  Let's stay PC shall we?

What would PETA think?  Come on guys...does?  Let's stay PC shall we?

Does are an essential part of game management. Taking does makes room for healthier herds, and increases buck:doe ratios. I have no problem harvesting does, my machoism days of only shooting mega racked animals are long over. Don't get me wrong, I will still shoot one, but I am more about balance now and hunt for meat and the overall experience.

That there is sarcasm. I pass on big bucks for smaller bucks. And I slay does in Wyoming occasionally. I'm all for a thousand tag statewide doe hunt every three years or so.