Deer hunting is a diverse way of life. From one state to the next, cultures are vastly different. They have unique identities that are unique to each destination. In one state, box blinds and food plots are the norm. In another, it’s chasing deer with compounds and crossbows. Elsewhere, it might be hunting big-woods deer, prairie whitetails, etc. Regardless, these makeups are built around the terrain, topography, hunting regulations, and more.
Because our nation is so diverse, and because deer hunting often looks quite different from place to place, it results in greatly differing opinions. Furthermore, as the landscape of whitetail hunting regulations continues to change, that too impacts conversation.
Therefore, because of these elements, and more, it creates hot-button issues in deer hunting that hunters talk about. Here are some of the most controversial topics we see today.
1. Baiting Whitetails
Baiting deer is legal in approximately half of all states. Of course, most of these have restrictions and stipulations. That said, it’s still legal in one capacity or another. So long as hunters follow applicable guidelines, they’re allowed to do it.
Of course, most hunters either love baiting, or they hate it. Some hunters despise the thought of baiting deer. The concept completely infuriates them. It’s an outrage!
To other hunters, it’s a part of deer hunting. It’s another tool in the kit. It might even be completely engrained in the hunting culture. (Think Texas.)
All said, the deer bait debate will likely rage on until there’s no more corn or deer hunters, or both.
My Opinion: I support it. If you don’t like baiting, that’s fine. If you can’t bait where you are, tough luck. If hunting regulations allow, good for you. (Chances are if you aren’t, your neighbor is, and that’s no good for you.) But just because someone uses bait doesn’t make them less of a hunter.
2. Drones and Deer Recovery
A relatively new argument on the deer hunting scene, drones are taking center stage in the hunting world. Now, these are being used to help recover dead deer. Thanks to thermal imaging on relatively sophisticated drones, it’s much easier to find dead deer than searching on your own. Some argue that, in some instances, it’s even more effective than calling in a dog.
Despite the above, some people are worried about it being used improperly. They say it’ll be used to find and kill deer, rather than just recover dead ones. Truth be told, though, they said the same about tracking dogs when that debate raged on decades ago. That turned out to be false. Plus, those are who apt to break the law, will do so either way.
My Opinion: I support it. Whether you like it, or not, drones are very effective at locating wounded and dead deer. I believe that, if used only to find dead deer, it’s a net positive. This tool will allow more hunters to be ethical and retrieve their dead whitetails. This results in less meat spoilage, fewer unrecovered (dead) deer, and theoretically, more deer on the landscape. (Because hunters will be losing fewer bucks and won’t be shooting additional deer because they recovered the first.)
3. Culling Bucks
Some believe in the “cull buck” theory, which states that harvesting bucks with “inferior” antlers will result in greater antler scores within the future of the local deer herd. Hunters will defend this theory to their grave, even despite numerous research findings that showcase its fallacies.
My Opinion: I don’t support it. The cull buck theory continues to live on, and I’m unsure why. The research shows that it isn’t real, and that it’s impossible to cull free-range bucks to produce better antler quality within the herd. Too many variables are usually outside your control or are completely incapable of being controlled in wild deer.
This is true for numerous reasons. First, antler growth is impacted by age, genetics, nutrition, environmental conditions, stress, and more. Hunters of wild deer can only impact age (passing younger deer), nutrition (creating better habitat), and reducing stress (managing predator numbers and hunting pressure). Some private and public land hunters can’t influence some of these just mentioned, though. And wild deer hunters certainly cannot impact genetics, soil, and other environmental factors.
Plus, does contribute 50% of the antler genetic code to their offspring. How can you know their pedigree? You can’t.
Second, does are responsible for caring for buck fawns in their first year of life. Some do well, and others don’t.
Third, research shows some antler characteristics aren’t heritable (or very heritable).
Fourth, you can’t control which bucks do the breeding. In most instances, all bucks play at least a small role, including “inferior” and small/young bucks.
Fifth, deer move around. So, unless everyone within many miles are on board, others are likely undoing your pointless work.
Sixth, hunters also shoot the biggest deer on the landscape, so these buck are removed from the gene pool, too. Any possible (yet still falsely believed) gains are a wash. Of course, the list of reasons culling doesn’t work goes on, but I hope you get the point without further discussion.
4. Deciding What Buck to Shoot
Modern deer hunters are sending trail camera photos of deer to their buddies. It’s usually followed by:
“Should I shoot this deer.”
“Should I pass that deer.”
My Opinion: No one but the individual hunter can answer that question. If you like the deer, shoot it. If you don’t, let it walk. But quit asking everyone but yourself to answer that question for you. You aren’t putting their tag on it. It’s your deer tag. Be confident in your harvest decisions.
5. The Issues Within Trophy Hunting
There isn’t anything wrong with hunting and shooting big deer. Chasing mature whitetails is fun, and I make no apologies for it. But trophy hunting doesn’t come without a few things we hunters should clean up.
My Opinion: First, quit letting your big buck envy destroy relationships. Second, stop obsessing over big deer and letting these get in the way of more important aspects of life.
Third, don’t spend all your money on chasing these animals.
Fourth, cease bad-mouthing other hunters because of this or that big-buck reason.
Fifth, stop letting the pursuit of big bucks rob your enjoyment of the outdoors.
And finally, when you let big deer get in the way of your character and faith in God, you begin worshipping the creation rather than the creator, and that’s seriously scary territory to be in.
6. Shooting, or Not Shooting, Whitetail Does
In decades past, everyone talked about the need to shoot does. There were too many deer, and the way to reduce numbers was tagging antlerless whitetails. In some areas, you almost couldn’t shoot enough. Hunters had to bring in family and friends to reduce deer populations.
My Opinion: While that was true in the past, and still true in some places, deer herds are in greatly different statuses today. Of course, this is a relative conversation, and so, best practices vary depending on the state of each local deer herd. That said, in many areas, heavy doe harvests aren’t needed. In some places, does shouldn’t be killed at all.
7. Declining Whitetail Habitat Quality
As development continues, so does whitetail habitat decline. Vast acreages are being cleared every day, and new ones aren’t being restored to replace these. The result is deer being crammed into tighter spaces, resulting in greater mortality and smaller deer population totals.
My Opinion: This issue continues to reduce deer populations. As a result, fewer hunters are on the landscape. Deer and deer hunters alike are declining in number and continue to shift.
8. Diminishing Public-Land Deer Hunting Quality
Despite reports of fewer hunters, public lands are seeing more competition than ever before. As private land hunting access continues to get more difficult, more hunters are trying their luck on ground that’s open to everyone.
My Opinion: This is unfortunate. Everyone wants to experience a good hunt, but there’s only so much land to go around. Still, find unique ways to overcome the pressure challenge. Research draw hunts, hunt areas with more difficult access, and more.
9. Advancing Technologies Within Deer Hunting
Many changes have entered the deer hunting scene, especially within the past two to three decades. A lot of products entered the industry that weren’t previously available. SD trail cameras, cellular trail cameras, rangefinders, rangefinding scopes, highly efficient crossbows, and much more, are all great technological advancements. But some argue these can provide unfair advantages.
My Opinion: I disagree. Despite the advent of these useful tools, hunters still have a tall task ahead. Even with these advanced items, deer still have the upper hand. They know how to use their assets even better than most hunters know theirs.
10. CWD Surveillance Zones
As chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues to spread, so do CWD surveillance zones and policies. Hunters are being impacted by the changes made within these areas, and it isn’t a happy time for anyone. Big changes are hitting the landscape.
My Opinion: CWD is real, there’s no denying that. And we oftentimes don’t like the changes that are made. But these surveillance zones are there for a reason. It’s important we abide by the regulations in place within all areas, including these.
We want to hear from you! What are the most controversial topics among deer hunters these days? Comment below, and let us know what you think.
