Deer overharvest

[jaycee]

There aren't that many ML hunters out the there.

by Mike Pal

Are you forgetting that in mos t WMU's , shotguns are also allowed during the late controlled hunt.

[MikePal]

by Mike Pal

Are you forgetting that in mos t WMU's , shotguns are also allowed during the late controlled hunt.

Buddy is complaining about the ML (specifically) extended season...first week of Dec....he's convinced that a handful of guys who choose to fill their 1 tag that week are devastating the Deer numbers in his WMU...I ...and everyone else...say 'poppycock'

[jaycee]

Buddy is complaining about the ML (specifically) extended season...first week of Dec....he's convinced that a handful of guys who choose to fill their 1 tag that week are devastating the Deer numbers in his WMU...I ...and everyone else...say 'poppycock'

I am hunting during the first week of Dec. with a muzzle loader, and shotguns are also allowed during that hunt, as they are in many other WMU's.

[MikePal]

I am hunting during the first week of Dec. with a muzzle loader, and shotguns are also allowed during that hunt, as they are in many other WMU's.

I honestly never saw that before, first time I've heard of it. I see in the regs it's only in a small geographical area, however largely populated (developed), so the MNR obviously wants to keep the population in check to avoid the increased risk of deer/human conflicts, so as said early, they've added tools to increase the number of deer culled annually.

[Bushmoose]

I must say, this is an interesting thread! Living and hunting up here in WMU 36, I admit I haven't followed the various configurations of the annual deer hunt throughout the province. We have a bow season and a rifle season. One hunter, one deer, by whichever method you choose? There is no controlled hunt and, much to my disappointment, no ML season.
So Rick, mind if I grab a handful of your popcorn?

[lazyman]

Many deer hunter friends report a decline in deer numbers in recent years in southern ON. Personally I notice less road kills and sightings throughout the year.
Although there are various reasons for deer population declines, I suspect that the extended season is partially responsible. With the addition of lengthy bow and black powder seasons hunters have more than 2 months to fill tags. IMO there is really no difference in the killing effectiveness of a scoped black powder gun and a rifle if you are selective in your shot. Do we require an additional gun season? Furthermore, cross bows are more accurate and lethal than ever. We're not hunting prairie deer!
Any comments?

I would like to think that the mnrf control the population by the distribution of doe tags as that is the most common way of managing the population. How you fill your tag shouldn't be an issue.

[rick_iles]

I must say, this is an interesting thread! Living and hunting up here in WMU 36, I admit I haven't followed the various configurations of the annual deer hunt throughout the province. We have a bow season and a rifle season. One hunter, one deer, by whichever method you choose? There is no controlled hunt and, much to my disappointment, no ML season.
So Rick, mind if I grab a handful of your popcorn?

Hahaha....no problem! I find it interesting down here in the southwest, the MNR has cut doe tags, and gotten rid of excess tags for archery, but they have two FN hunts/culls in Rondeau park and Clear Creek Reserve ????
Both are wintering areas, with no limits on the number of deer taken.....go figure!!

[MikePal]

, but they have two FN hunts/culls in Rondeau park and Clear Creek Reserve ????
Both are wintering areas, with no limits on the number of deer taken.....go figure!!

Because treaty rights and that being their land, deer culls are done by them.

[rick_iles]

Because treaty rights and that being their land, deer culls are done by them.

Yea, yea, I’m aware of that BS. The MNRF touted the culls as necessary to cut deer numbers, citing damage to the Carolinian forest......but they still cut tags for the “regulated” hunters..

[missy83]

I spend lots of time in wmu 47 & 87D. And I'm seeing lots of deer. I wouldn't say there is a decline. If deer are being pressured in a certain area by predators or human they move. We had a den of yote pups at the back of are farm this year. We had lots of deer moving through the farm from spring till September. Now that those little buggers are not so little and they are hanging around in the open with mom and Dad. We haven't seen deer in a few months. I'm just waiting for the over time to end at work and then I will bust out the 22/250 and have some fun



Dustin