Would you or do you
West Virginia
Contributors to this thread:
Just wondering if anyone would or does shoot doe's in November " during the rut " reason being I've been trying to get my wife her first this year and an my son also no luck so far with time passing quickly im hitting the woods alot next few week not sure im passing on and shot that's offered
Heck man, I shoot does until the tags are full. From the first day until the last day of the season. Most years, it is all I kill with a bow. I haven't seriously hunted big buck deer in nearly a decade. Add in the other problem of muzzleloader season in VA the last couple of years and, I spend none of November bow only season, in WV hunting. I enjoy bow hunting more but, my dad doesn't. And, he isn't a spring chicken anymore. So, I spend it hunting with him instead. I miss it but, don't regret the decision to do it.
I've shot does from a stand and killed a buck there the next day. I've shot does and had bucks come through following them minutes later. I guess what I'm saying is to do your own thing. Don't base it on what the norm is. Base it on what you feel is the right way to handle it.
God Bless
I personally don't hunt does during the rut. If I can't get a buck the first week or two before they know they are being hunted then I'll shoot a doe, or do it like I did this year and shoot a couple with my bow during the early doe hunt. I use the pre rut thru the rut to buck hunt. I haven't had to do it for a while but if I need to I'll doe hunt again after rifle season.
That said, that's just me. If you have limited time to hunt or are trying to get your wife, children, or a new hunter then it's as good as time as any to shoot a doe if that's what they want to do and be happy about it.
I would shoot a doe if the situation was right.
Any time is a good time two shoot a doe but some are better than others. I would have no reservations about shooting a doe during the rut.
from nov 1 to the Saturday before rifle season, its bucks only for me. what gobbler said, its prime time to catch a buck unalerted by the presence of the orange army plus I don't wanna kill she who bringeth he :)
I normally reserve my rut hunting time for a buck - you don't know which doe a nice buck will be following - is my way of thinking.
I also have a problem shooting a doe early in the season. I just think it is good for momma to stay with little ones as long as possible to help educate them a bit during hunting season. I just prefer hunting does later in the year. I am sure our the biologist will say it does not matter - but somethings just rubs me wrong. Just like this year - I still saw fawns nursing up until last week! Maybe they can survive without momma but I say let them survive and learn a little more from her.
It is funny how we all have different approaches and thoughts on hunting - if you want to shoot a doe now - then go head - for me though I will wait.
I don't shoot does with lil ones.,
I agree baby. Not only for reasons JD said but does that aren't nursing fawns seem to have more meat. The big doe I killed last year weighed 115 lbs. Seems around where I hunt if they have milk they are usually in the 90 - 95 lb range.
80lbs brown and down for me, except young bucks. I have a harder time getting a shot at a mature Doe, than a buck
Me too Wbowhunt. This time of year killing a buck is much easier. I tried drawing on a big doe this evening and got BUSTED stone cold. I finally found a scrape in my hunting area too. Hopefully it kicks off pretty soon. God Bless
Agree about the does. Much tougher.