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New White-Tailed Deer Management Zones

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Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Source: http://home.mdwfp.com/
Published: Oct. 24, 2009

 Research indicates the 4-point law allowed the harvest of better quality yearling bucks, while protecting older-aged spikes and 3-point bucks. The result has been a decrease in antler size within age classes of older bucks.  The combination of the 4-point law, high hunting pressure, and lower reproduction results in the over harvest of bucks and a decrease in antler size. To prevent these problems, yearling bucks must be allowed to reach older age classes.  


The new antler criteria will protect almost 100% of the 1½ year old bucks .  This protection will prevent over-harvest of bucks and improve antler size as bucks get older.  These protected bucks will also improve skewed buck:doe ratios.  Improved buck:doe ratios will shorten the breeding season, thus improving overall heard health.  

Research also demonstrated soil region differences with regards to antler production.  Because of these differences, one antler criterion alone cannot be used to protect 100% of 1½ year old bucks statewide. The antler criteria for the 3 deer management zones are based on soil region effects on antler production.  Because soil region lines cannot be seen by hunters in the field, highways and interstates serve as dividing boundaries for the 3 zones.

 





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