Our deer biologist s moving on...to Michigan

[spaniel]

You are right, but my question is... specifically what model or models are being employed? Where do we learn more about this? Obviously, more than a handful of people are concerned. Also, just because a legitimate scientific method is being utilized, does not mean that the models, their interpretation, and selected responses to the findings are correct.

I don't know enough to answer, only pose questions.

You are correct -- whether the method is being applied correctly and whether the interpretation is accurate. What I don't like is dismissing such methods out-of-hand in favor of Joe or Bob's general impression based off what they saw their 3 mornings on the deer stand because Joe and Bob have no idea how such things are done.

What methods are employed in Indiana? I'm not sure. Different departments I've had exposure to use different methods, typically with pretty good reasons for why they chose it. But I do know a retired Indiana conservation officer, I'll see if he knows.

In at least a couple states I know of where similar controversies have stirred, it has nothing to do with the biologists and their methods. The politicians and bureaucrats who actually have the power to make the rules will often just ignore the recommendations of their biologists.

In the area I referenced in Michigan the biologists have said for years that the deer are massively over-populated, yet the decision-makers have not taken appropriate steps. For years they still tightly controlled antlerless permits, and now they mandated a pricey mandatory bundle license which a lot of hunters in the area cannot afford (so they no longer hunt).

Modified: Interestingly, here is a vague answer from Chad himself - LINK

 

[JimH]

You are correct -- whether the method is being applied correctly and whether the interpretation is accurate. What I don't like is dismissing such methods out-of-hand in favor of Joe or Bob's general impression based off what they saw their 3 mornings on the deer stand because Joe and Bob have no idea how such things are done.

What methods are employed in Indiana? I'm not sure. Different departments I've had exposure to use different methods, typically with pretty good reasons for why they chose it. But I do know a retired Indiana conservation officer, I'll see if he knows.

In at least a couple states I know of where similar controversies have stirred, it has nothing to do with the biologists and their methods. The politicians and bureaucrats who actually have the power to make the rules will often just ignore the recommendations of their biologists.

In the area I referenced in Michigan the biologists have said for years that the deer are massively over-populated, yet the decision-makers have not taken appropriate steps. For years they still tightly controlled antlerless permits, and now they mandated a pricey mandatory bundle license which a lot of hunters in the area cannot afford (so they no longer hunt).

Modified: Interestingly, here is a vague answer from Chad himself - LINK

In other words,you don't know the answer,but know that Joe and Bob's answer is wrong?Come to Ripley County,where the anterless tags were RAISED to 8 this year and I'll let you pick the roads we drive at night spotlighting-if you can show me 10 deer in 20 miles I'll buy you the biggest steak you can eat.

 

[Willie]

Joe and Bob's answer could be very well spot in in their own area. Willy says deer are just fine and the herd seems to be increasing in his area. Neither "answer" can't extrapolate to the entire state. The DNR has to manage the entire state, not just the little corners of Joe, Bob and Willy's deer hunting world. The DNR publishes their yearly deer reports on line. Pull them up and compare the year to year take of your county and see what you get.

 

[Willie]

D E E R M A N AG EMEN T I N I N D I A N A

10 COMMON MYTHS

By Chad Stewart
DEER
MANAGEMENT
Many deer management myths have surfaced
and resurfaced over the years. Some are based
on a small bit of truth. Others are completely
false.

One common thread is they’re often shared
from person to person and rarely based on
facts.

So, if myths lack truth, why do they continue
to be told and believed?

Shankar Vedantam, a reporter for the Washington
Post, explored that question a few years
ago and cited several studies that show the
more people hear false rumors the more likely
they are to believe them.

“The research also highlights the disturbing
reality that once an idea has been implanted in
people’s minds, it can be difficult to dislodge,”
Vedantam reported. “Denials inherently
require repeating the bad information, which
may be one reason they can paradoxically
reinforce it.”

In other words, the harder you try to set
the record straight with facts, the more some
people think myths are truths.

Regardless, let’s bust 10 myths about deer
management in Indiana.

Myth 1: The DNR manages deer for
deer hunters only.
Indiana law mandates that the DNR manage
deer and all wildlife for everyone in Indiana.
The goal of the white-tailed deer management
and research program is to maximize hunting
and viewing opportunities while maintaining
a deer population at a level consistent with
ecological, social, and economic values of all
Indiana citizens.

Myth 2: The DNR does not take input
from the public.

The DNR listens to feedback and input
through our Got INput process on possible
rule changes, and through phone calls, emails
and social media. Before any rule changes
are adopted, the public has opportunities to
provide additional comment either online or at
public hearings. The Division of Fish & Wildlife
also sends out regular surveys to hunters and
landowners to collect input, opinions, and
hunter-effort information. The survey results
are important tools used to help decide deer
management at the county and state level.

Myth 3: The DNR is trying to reduce
the deer herd across the state.

The DNR’s deer management program is
currently working to reduce conflicts between
Indiana residents and deer where they are most
problematic. This is being done in a strategic
and targeted manner (through bonus antlerless
quotas), not statewide. Currently, many counties
have regulations set up to maintain or even
increase deer numbers within the county.

Myth 4: The DNR needs an accurate
count of deer to effectively manage
them across the state.

Wildlife biologists and statisticians have
recognized that population estimates are not
necessary for effective deer management. Many
states do not conduct population estimates for
their deer herds. Rather, the DNR manages
deer by evaluating trends over time. From those
trends we’re able to estimate whether the deer
herd is increasing, stable, or decreasing. These
trends, along with public surveys, are used to
determine deer management objectives.

Myth 5: Antler-point restrictions
would improve the quality of genetics
in Indiana’s deer.

Restricting buck harvest to only animals with
a certain antler configuration (for example: 8
points or more, or 16-inch spreads or more) has
often been proposed to improve the quality of
bucks in an area. The thought is that by only
focusing efforts on older deer, more yearling
bucks will survive and grow to older ages and
produce larger antlers. The intended result
will likely fall short, especially in the Midwest,
where yearling animals may produce 8 points
in their first year of growth. Point restrictions
would instead focus harvest on large antlered
bucks, protect only the smallest-antlered deer
and cause high levels of accidental or illegal
kills. Point restrictions will not change the
genetic characteristics of a population as it
relates to antler size, meaning only certain
bucks would have these large antlers regardless
of restrictions.

Myth 6: High antlerless quotas are
solely responsible for reducing the
deer herd.

Indiana historically has had high antlerless
limits available to all hunters. Hunters have
been allowed to harvest eight antlerless deer
in many counties. These limits are high to
allow individuals experiencing deer problems
the opportunity to solve their problems in the
hunting season. It is not meant to be a limit
that is reached by all hunters, and it rarely is
reached. Despite high quotas in some counties,

Surveys repeatedly show the vast majority of
hunters (85 percent) take three or fewer deer,
and less than 1 percent ever take eight deer in
a season.

Myth 7: Indiana cannot produce
trophy and record-book deer.

Although the DNR does not specifically manage
for trophy deer, the agency recognizes
this is a desirable byproduct of deer management.

The comparatively smaller number of
deer from Indiana in current record books
is likely a result of the small size of the state,
not a result of management. The Quality Deer
Management Association (QDMA) looked at
the estimated number of record book bucks
submitted per thousand miles of land area from
1999 to 2009. QDMA found that during this
period, Indiana ranked third in the country
in submissions per thousand square miles to
Pope & Young (archery-harvested deer) and
sixth in Boone & Crockett (gun-harvested deer)
record books. On a mile-by-mile basis, Indiana
compares favorably with many other reputable
states that produce record-book-quality whitetailed
deer.

Myth 8: The DNR is bringing back
mountain lions to help manage the
deer herd.

The DNR has never reintroduced mountain
lions or any other predator to manage whitetailed
deer. Reintroduction of these predators
into areas where people live would likely not be
tolerated by residents or a majority of citizens
in the state. Although the DNR did confirm the
sighting of a mountain lion in Greene County
several years ago, it is unknown whether that
animal was an escaped animal or a nomadic
individual.

Myth 9: Insurance companies are to
blame for the lack of deer in Indiana.

A common myth is that insurance companies
are behind many directives to reduce the number
of deer on the landscape. This is not true.
Refer to Myth 4 on how the DNR determines
deer management goals.

Myth 10: The summer deer damage
program is hurting deer hunting across
the state.

Qualifying farmers and landowners can get
summer damage permits that allow them or
their designated shooter to remove deer during
the summer months when their crops are
growing. The program is designed to help these
individuals protect their agricultural investment
during a time in the growing season when
it is most vulnerable. It is not meant to be a
population control method or to replace hunting.
Over the past several years, approximately
2,400 deer or fewer have been reported annually
on these permits, or less than 2 percent of
the total reported harvest during the

 

[JimH]

D E E R M A N AG EMEN T I N I N D I A N A

10 COMMON MYTHS

By Chad Stewart
DEER
MANAGEMENT
Many deer management myths have surfaced
and resurfaced over the years. Some are based
on a small bit of truth. Others are completely
false.

One common thread is they’re often shared
from person to person and rarely based on
facts.

So, if myths lack truth, why do they continue
to be told and believed?

Shankar Vedantam, a reporter for the Washington
Post, explored that question a few years
ago and cited several studies that show the
more people hear false rumors the more likely
they are to believe them.

“The research also highlights the disturbing
reality that once an idea has been implanted in
people’s minds, it can be difficult to dislodge,”
Vedantam reported. “Denials inherently
require repeating the bad information, which
may be one reason they can paradoxically
reinforce it.”

In other words, the harder you try to set
the record straight with facts, the more some
people think myths are truths.

Regardless, let’s bust 10 myths about deer
management in Indiana.

Myth 1: The DNR manages deer for
deer hunters only.
Indiana law mandates that the DNR manage
deer and all wildlife for everyone in Indiana.
The goal of the white-tailed deer management
and research program is to maximize hunting
and viewing opportunities while maintaining
a deer population at a level consistent with
ecological, social, and economic values of all
Indiana citizens.

Myth 2: The DNR does not take input
from the public.

The DNR listens to feedback and input
through our Got INput process on possible
rule changes, and through phone calls, emails
and social media. Before any rule changes
are adopted, the public has opportunities to
provide additional comment either online or at
public hearings. The Division of Fish & Wildlife
also sends out regular surveys to hunters and
landowners to collect input, opinions, and
hunter-effort information. The survey results
are important tools used to help decide deer
management at the county and state level.

Myth 3: The DNR is trying to reduce
the deer herd across the state.

The DNR’s deer management program is
currently working to reduce conflicts between
Indiana residents and deer where they are most
problematic. This is being done in a strategic
and targeted manner (through bonus antlerless
quotas), not statewide. Currently, many counties
have regulations set up to maintain or even
increase deer numbers within the county.

Myth 4: The DNR needs an accurate
count of deer to effectively manage
them across the state.

Wildlife biologists and statisticians have
recognized that population estimates are not
necessary for effective deer management. Many
states do not conduct population estimates for
their deer herds. Rather, the DNR manages
deer by evaluating trends over time. From those
trends we’re able to estimate whether the deer
herd is increasing, stable, or decreasing. These
trends, along with public surveys, are used to
determine deer management objectives.

Myth 5: Antler-point restrictions
would improve the quality of genetics
in Indiana’s deer.

Restricting buck harvest to only animals with
a certain antler configuration (for example: 8
points or more, or 16-inch spreads or more) has
often been proposed to improve the quality of
bucks in an area. The thought is that by only
focusing efforts on older deer, more yearling
bucks will survive and grow to older ages and
produce larger antlers. The intended result
will likely fall short, especially in the Midwest,
where yearling animals may produce 8 points
in their first year of growth. Point restrictions
would instead focus harvest on large antlered
bucks, protect only the smallest-antlered deer
and cause high levels of accidental or illegal
kills. Point restrictions will not change the
genetic characteristics of a population as it
relates to antler size, meaning only certain
bucks would have these large antlers regardless
of restrictions.

Myth 6: High antlerless quotas are
solely responsible for reducing the
deer herd.

Indiana historically has had high antlerless
limits available to all hunters. Hunters have
been allowed to harvest eight antlerless deer
in many counties. These limits are high to
allow individuals experiencing deer problems
the opportunity to solve their problems in the
hunting season. It is not meant to be a limit
that is reached by all hunters, and it rarely is
reached. Despite high quotas in some counties,

Surveys repeatedly show the vast majority of
hunters (85 percent) take three or fewer deer,
and less than 1 percent ever take eight deer in
a season.

Myth 7: Indiana cannot produce
trophy and record-book deer.

Although the DNR does not specifically manage
for trophy deer, the agency recognizes
this is a desirable byproduct of deer management.

The comparatively smaller number of
deer from Indiana in current record books
is likely a result of the small size of the state,
not a result of management. The Quality Deer
Management Association (QDMA) looked at
the estimated number of record book bucks
submitted per thousand miles of land area from
1999 to 2009. QDMA found that during this
period, Indiana ranked third in the country
in submissions per thousand square miles to
Pope & Young (archery-harvested deer) and
sixth in Boone & Crockett (gun-harvested deer)
record books. On a mile-by-mile basis, Indiana
compares favorably with many other reputable
states that produce record-book-quality whitetailed
deer.

Myth 8: The DNR is bringing back
mountain lions to help manage the
deer herd.

The DNR has never reintroduced mountain
lions or any other predator to manage whitetailed
deer. Reintroduction of these predators
into areas where people live would likely not be
tolerated by residents or a majority of citizens
in the state. Although the DNR did confirm the
sighting of a mountain lion in Greene County
several years ago, it is unknown whether that
animal was an escaped animal or a nomadic
individual.

Myth 9: Insurance companies are to
blame for the lack of deer in Indiana.

A common myth is that insurance companies
are behind many directives to reduce the number
of deer on the landscape. This is not true.
Refer to Myth 4 on how the DNR determines
deer management goals.

Myth 10: The summer deer damage
program is hurting deer hunting across
the state.

Qualifying farmers and landowners can get
summer damage permits that allow them or
their designated shooter to remove deer during
the summer months when their crops are
growing. The program is designed to help these
individuals protect their agricultural investment
during a time in the growing season when
it is most vulnerable. It is not meant to be a
population control method or to replace hunting.
Over the past several years, approximately
2,400 deer or fewer have been reported annually
on these permits, or less than 2 percent of
the total reported harvest during the

Willie,thanks for the response(s).I have seen the list from Mr.Stewart before,and view it as any other political statement-keep the natives calm and say what they want to hear.

 

[spaniel]

In other words,you don't know the answer,but know that Joe and Bob's answer is wrong?Come to Ripley County,where the anterless tags were RAISED to 8 this year and I'll let you pick the roads we drive at night spotlighting-if you can show me 10 deer in 20 miles I'll buy you the biggest steak you can eat.

Yes, I trust established and tested methods sampling large data sets over the half-assed guesses of random personal experiences of individual hunters.

I didn't see squat my first day in the field this year. But it was crappy weather, nobody was shooting and making the deer move, and as I hunt by the graces of a property owner I was in an area I had permission to rather than one where I thought the deer would favor. I saw no deer. This did not mean there were no deer there, it meant I hunted at a bad time and in a bad place. A half mile east I would have been flooded with deer. Again, relying on half-assed impressions by individual hunters is a poor, poor way to assess the status of a deer herd.

 

[JimH]

Yes, I trust established and tested methods sampling large data sets over the half-assed guesses of random personal experiences of individual hunters.

I didn't see squat my first day in the field this year. But it was crappy weather, nobody was shooting and making the deer move, and as I hunt by the graces of a property owner I was in an area I had permission to rather than one where I thought the deer would favor. I saw no deer. This did not mean there were no deer there, it meant I hunted at a bad time and in a bad place. A half mile east I would have been flooded with deer. Again, relying on half-assed impressions by individual hunters is a poor, poor way to assess the status of a deer herd.

Your first line says it all-just what the DNR wants everyone to believe....Sheeple.

 

[Willie]

To all those that think the DNR does a poor deer management job - The head deer biologist job is open - go apply for it and then we will see how much better that you can sail the ship..

 

[Willie]

To those who don't think the DNR takes into consideration input from deer hunters this is a copy of the latest Deer Hunter Survey that Indiana does about every two years.. They do listen and take into consideration what deer hunters say..


IDNR Deer Survey


1) What is your county of residence (see chart above) (Wille - same number as on the license plates)

2) Which weapon(s) did you use to hunt deer during the previous season Mark all that apply.

Archery – Shotgun - Muzzleloader – Handgun – Crossbow – Rifle

3) During the last 5 years, what trend have you seen in te deer population where you hunt most often? Mark ione for each question.

A –
more deer
No change
Fewer deer
Don’t know

B –
More larger antlered deer
No change in large antlered deer
Fewer large antlered deer
Don’t know

4) How many of each of the following types of deer licenses did you purchase/possess during the previous hunting season and how many deer did you harvest on these licenses?

Archery
Firearms
Muzzleloader
License bundle
UDZ
Bonus antlerless
Youth
Lifetime

5) Please complete the following information regarding your hunting efforts during each season. Include any harvested bonus antlerless deer in te section that matches the weapon you used and date at the time of harvest. Please refer to the list on page 1 for county codes. Did you hunt during…?


Youth
Yes - No - Not a youth

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Archery

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Firearms

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Muzzleloader

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Special Antlerless Firearm

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Urban deer Zone

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


6) In the last two years, did you attempt to gain access to a new location of private ground from someone you did not previously know?


Yes – No

7) If you responded “yes” in the previous question, how easy was it for you to gain access?

Very easy - somewhat easy – somewhat difficult – very difficult - did not gain access

8) Did you pay for access to hunt deer in the last 2 years (are you part of a lease specifically for hunting) ?

Yes – No

The next several questions concern where you hunted deer during the previous season. Public land is owned by the local, county, state or federal government. Private ground includes that owned by timber and coal companies. To rate your satisfaction on the next page use the following scale:

1 = very satisfied - 2 = satisfied - 3 = neutral - 4= dissatisfied - 5 = very dissatisfied - 6 = no opinion


9) Did you hunt on …?

Public land (excluding Fish and Wildlife Areas)

Yes - No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience



Fish and Wildlife Areas

Yes - No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience


Private land

Yes No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience


Please answer the following questions IF you hunted on private land in the past season

10) About how many acres in size was the parcel of private land that you hunted the most?

1-25 .. 26-50 .. 51-100 .. 101-200 .. 200-500 .. over 500 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt provate ground


11) About how many individuals typically hunt this parcel?

Just me .. 2-5 people .. 5-10 people .. >10 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt private ground

12) About how many deer were harvested by all individuals during all hunting season on this property?

0 - 1.. 2-4.. 5-10 .. >10 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt private ground

13) Did you hunt on:

The opening weekend of firearm season - Yes .. No
The last weekend of the firearm season - Yes .. No

14) How do you feel deer should be managed in Indiana? Chose only your top three answers, one per column. (Wille – Prioritizing only three – first priority, second priority, third priority)

Have the deer population balanced with available habitat
Minimize agricultural damage and road kills
Keep diseases like Bovine TB out of the state
Maximize the total number of deer
Maximize number of trophy bucks
Maximize hunter opportunity and time to hunt deer

15) How satisfied are you with deer management in the state of Indiana?

Very satisfied .. Satisified .. Unsatisfied .. Very Unsatisfied .. No Opinion

16) Did you harvest more, less, or the same number of deer compared to the previous deer hunting season?

More .. Less .. Same

17) If there was a change in your harvest from previous years, to what do you attribute that change? Mark all that apply.

No notable change
Different deer numbers
More/less time available to go hunting
Different hunting location than before
More/fewer opportunities due to rule changes
Hunted additional/fewer seasons
Bought the bundle license
More/fewer licenses purchased
Other

18) Do you like or would you like the late antlerless season in the county that you hunt?


Yes .. No .. I don’t know


Answer the following questions if you purchased a deer license bundle in the past hunting season.

19) What was your reason for purchasing the license bundle in the past hunting season? Mark all that apply.

I usually harvest three or more deer a year and thought the bundle would save me money
I usually hunt multiple seasons a year and thought the bundle would save me money
Having the bundle would give me more opportunity to get a buck
It allowed me to hunt more seasons than I usually do
I wanted to try it because to was new
It was more convenient than purchasing three separate licenses
It gave me the opportunity to try hunting with a new type of equipment
Other _____________

20) Did you feel that the bundle is a good deal?

Yes .. No

21) Would you purchase the bundle again in the future?

Yes .. No


22) Did having the crossbows availability early in the archery season directly affect your hunting experience during that time?

Yes .. No

23) If you answered “yes” to the previous question, did you have a positive or negative experience during that time?

Positive .. Negative .. I don’t know

24) Are you familiar with DNR venison donation programs, and if so which ones?

Sportsman/s Benevolence Pins
GiveIN Game
Other non-DN donation program
Not familiar

25) Have you donated venison using any of the following donation programs? Mark all that apply.

GiveIN Game
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
Other non-DNR donation program
Donate outside of a program
Have not donated venison

 

[JimH]

To those who don't think the DNR takes into consideration input from deer hunters this is a copy of the latest Deer Hunter Survey that Indiana does about every two years.. They do listen and take into consideration what deer hunters say..


IDNR Deer Survey


1) What is your county of residence (see chart above) (Wille - same number as on the license plates)

2) Which weapon(s) did you use to hunt deer during the previous season Mark all that apply.

Archery – Shotgun - Muzzleloader – Handgun – Crossbow – Rifle

3) During the last 5 years, what trend have you seen in te deer population where you hunt most often? Mark ione for each question.

A –
more deer
No change
Fewer deer
Don’t know

B –
More larger antlered deer
No change in large antlered deer
Fewer large antlered deer
Don’t know

4) How many of each of the following types of deer licenses did you purchase/possess during the previous hunting season and how many deer did you harvest on these licenses?

Archery
Firearms
Muzzleloader
License bundle
UDZ
Bonus antlerless
Youth
Lifetime

5) Please complete the following information regarding your hunting efforts during each season. Include any harvested bonus antlerless deer in te section that matches the weapon you used and date at the time of harvest. Please refer to the list on page 1 for county codes. Did you hunt during…?


Youth
Yes - No - Not a youth

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Archery

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Firearms

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Muzzleloader

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Special Antlerless Firearm

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


Urban deer Zone

Yes – No

County hunted most often – Days hunted – Total deer harvested


6) In the last two years, did you attempt to gain access to a new location of private ground from someone you did not previously know?


Yes – No

7) If you responded “yes” in the previous question, how easy was it for you to gain access?

Very easy - somewhat easy – somewhat difficult – very difficult - did not gain access

8) Did you pay for access to hunt deer in the last 2 years (are you part of a lease specifically for hunting) ?

Yes – No

The next several questions concern where you hunted deer during the previous season. Public land is owned by the local, county, state or federal government. Private ground includes that owned by timber and coal companies. To rate your satisfaction on the next page use the following scale:

1 = very satisfied - 2 = satisfied - 3 = neutral - 4= dissatisfied - 5 = very dissatisfied - 6 = no opinion


9) Did you hunt on …?

Public land (excluding Fish and Wildlife Areas)

Yes - No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience



Fish and Wildlife Areas

Yes - No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience


Private land

Yes No

# Days Hunted - Total Deer Harvested - Satisfaction of Your Experience


Please answer the following questions IF you hunted on private land in the past season

10) About how many acres in size was the parcel of private land that you hunted the most?

1-25 .. 26-50 .. 51-100 .. 101-200 .. 200-500 .. over 500 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt provate ground


11) About how many individuals typically hunt this parcel?

Just me .. 2-5 people .. 5-10 people .. >10 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt private ground

12) About how many deer were harvested by all individuals during all hunting season on this property?

0 - 1.. 2-4.. 5-10 .. >10 .. I don’t know .. I did not hunt private ground

13) Did you hunt on:

The opening weekend of firearm season - Yes .. No
The last weekend of the firearm season - Yes .. No

14) How do you feel deer should be managed in Indiana? Chose only your top three answers, one per column. (Wille – Prioritizing only three – first priority, second priority, third priority)

Have the deer population balanced with available habitat
Minimize agricultural damage and road kills
Keep diseases like Bovine TB out of the state
Maximize the total number of deer
Maximize number of trophy bucks
Maximize hunter opportunity and time to hunt deer

15) How satisfied are you with deer management in the state of Indiana?

Very satisfied .. Satisified .. Unsatisfied .. Very Unsatisfied .. No Opinion

16) Did you harvest more, less, or the same number of deer compared to the previous deer hunting season?

More .. Less .. Same

17) If there was a change in your harvest from previous years, to what do you attribute that change? Mark all that apply.

No notable change
Different deer numbers
More/less time available to go hunting
Different hunting location than before
More/fewer opportunities due to rule changes
Hunted additional/fewer seasons
Bought the bundle license
More/fewer licenses purchased
Other

18) Do you like or would you like the late antlerless season in the county that you hunt?


Yes .. No .. I don’t know


Answer the following questions if you purchased a deer license bundle in the past hunting season.

19) What was your reason for purchasing the license bundle in the past hunting season? Mark all that apply.

I usually harvest three or more deer a year and thought the bundle would save me money
I usually hunt multiple seasons a year and thought the bundle would save me money
Having the bundle would give me more opportunity to get a buck
It allowed me to hunt more seasons than I usually do
I wanted to try it because to was new
It was more convenient than purchasing three separate licenses
It gave me the opportunity to try hunting with a new type of equipment
Other _____________

20) Did you feel that the bundle is a good deal?

Yes .. No

21) Would you purchase the bundle again in the future?

Yes .. No


22) Did having the crossbows availability early in the archery season directly affect your hunting experience during that time?

Yes .. No

23) If you answered “yes” to the previous question, did you have a positive or negative experience during that time?

Positive .. Negative .. I don’t know

24) Are you familiar with DNR venison donation programs, and if so which ones?

Sportsman/s Benevolence Pins
GiveIN Game
Other non-DN donation program
Not familiar

25) Have you donated venison using any of the following donation programs? Mark all that apply.

GiveIN Game
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry
Other non-DNR donation program
Donate outside of a program
Have not donated venison

This definitly proves they take surveys,kind of like the public input meetings-propaganda to appease the gullible when the decisions have probably been made way before the meetings.

 

[Willie]

This definitly proves they take surveys,kind of like the public input meetings-propaganda to appease the gullible when the decisions have probably been made way before the meetings.

"Probably"? Really?

Do you recall the deer proposal where the DNR had wanted to shorten and move the firearm and muzzleloader seasons, establish a two day firearm season in October, just allow crossbows in the firearm season and for those over 65? That was soundly defeated by an overwhelming outcry from "public input". The DNR had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a proposal that was more palatable to the persons giving "public input". Proposal 1 was deep sixed and Proposal 2 passed with flying colors because of "public input".

BTW - Surveys cost money and I'm quite sure they do not have to do it. They do want to feel the pulse of the deer hunters..

JimH,

I've been at this game a long time and nothing is "probably" cast in stone..

 

[M4Madness]

I've been deer hunting for 20 years and have never received a survey. Is it something you have to apply for?

 

[Willie]

I've been deer hunting for 20 years and have never received a survey. Is it something you have to apply for?

They do it randomly. I got this one but had not got one in over 20 years before..

They do a bowhunter survey where you keep count of what critters that you see while hunting. That one anyone can do..

 

[Willie]

This survey and report was done for the IDNR by Responsive Management and cost the DNR in excess of $50,000.

Do you actually thing they would spend that kind of money and then ignore the findings?

http://www.responsivemanagement.com/download/reports/IN_Deer_Report.pdf

 

[craigkim]

To all those that think the DNR does a poor deer management job - The head deer biologist job is open - go apply for it and then we will see how much better that you can sail the ship..

I am only a expressing concern and not criticism. I don't have enough information to allow me a stance from which to be critical.

 

[JimH]

"Probably"? Really?

Do you recall the deer proposal where the DNR had wanted to shorten and move the firearm and muzzleloader seasons, establish a two day firearm season in October, just allow crossbows in the firearm season and for those over 65? That was soundly defeated by an overwhelming outcry from "public input". The DNR had to go back to the drawing board and come up with a proposal that was more palatable to the persons giving "public input". Proposal 1 was deep sixed and Proposal 2 passed with flying colors because of "public input".

BTW - Surveys cost money and I'm quite sure they do not have to do it. They do want to feel the pulse of the deer hunters..

JimH,

I've been at this game a long time and nothing is "probably" cast in stone..

Like I said,appease the gullible.Mission accomplished.

 

[Willie]

Ahh Jim ... When one can't debate the facts they resort to name calling...

smooth, real smooth...

 

[JimH]

Ahh Jim ... When one can't debate the facts they resort to name calling...

smooth, real smooth...

Well I didn't notice any name calling,but maybee it was so smoooooth I missed it.I've played this game a while also-deer hunting for 40+ years in mainly Ripley and Dearborn Counties,but also in Jennings,Jefferson Ohio and Switzerland.Many of the properties I started hunting on I still hunt.In this time I have killed 80+ deer with archery equipment(real archery equipment,no crossbows)and probably twice that many with firearms-shotgun,muzzle loader and handgun.There is absolutely no way we have 5% of the deer in my areas as we had 20 years ago.I hunted this morning and was actually suprised to see 1 deer.Also saw 5 bald eagles and about a dozen squirrels.

 

[Willie]

How about "gullible sheeple"?

 

[foamkiller]

OK explain this to me. In 1995 we had a record harvest of 123,000+ deer. At that time we had two bow tags, a firearm tag, a muzzleloader tag and drew for a county specific antlerless permit. They only hunted 4 State Parks and there were no urban zones. In 2012 we set a new record with 136,000+ deer. We still had two bow tags, a firearm tag, a muzzleloader tag and the majority of counties in the state had at least 4 if not 8 antlerless permits. We hunted 14 State Parks and had urban zones. The average hunter had a dozen tags he could fill. Now if the deer population has exploded like we are being told ..........how can the total kill only go up roughly 13,000 deer when Joe Average Hunter has 3 times the tags available to him. Is there that many fewer hunters in the state?