Maryland sees drop in Deer Harvest

http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2012/12/13/preliminary-deer-firearm-season-results-announced/

Maryland saw a drop in the deer kill during this years firearms and youth seasons. A 13% drop was reported overall, with our 3 westernmost counties reporting a 19% drop.

While biologists try and blame a large acorn crop, and poor weather, I believe that we are beginning to see the results of several years of excessive bag limits on doe. The seasons final tally should tell the tale.

I think it is time to rein in unlimited bag limits on antlerless deer, especially on public hunting areas.

i agree with the doe harvest down your way ,as of up here allegany/garrett county i think even more reduction in buck and doe limits is in need!like 1 buck per season and 2 does

Yes, I haven't as of yet seen the final numbers for this years season. Keeping an eye out for those.

We will have to wait another year to suggest anything, DNR sets regs and limits in 2 year increments, but when time does roll around, I'm going to push for a reduction, at least on public lands.

to further your point slowbow, antlerless can only be taken with the bow in my STATE and only one at that, in an effort to gain optimal densities.

I remember back in the day when it was buck only and you had to have to apply for a special antlerless tag by lottery if you wanted to shoot a doe. My, haven't things changed.

Well, here they are, the season totals. Allcobowhunter is right, region A saw a 16% drop overall in harvest this season.

Region B saw a 10% drop, 11% overall for the State. While they are still trying to blame it on acorn crops and weather, they are alluding a bit to lower populations.

It is time to amplify the call for reduced doe limits in Maryland, especially on public lands. It will probably take some time before the stats for public lands are released, but I bet the drop will be much more dramatic on public hunting areas where the unrestricted limits are not buffered by private land owners who tend to try and manage their herds.

http://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2013/02/21/2012-13-deer-season-results-are-in/