This is a terrible, terrible, TERRIBLE idea. Not only is the whole concept scientifically dubious (the idea that "trophy genetics" are passed on in a straight line progression from large-antlered bucks; that there is anything wrong with the genetics of the local deer population; and that a few individuals released into a population of thousands would have any genetic impact), but risky to the point of outright irresponsibility considering that the translocation of captive deer is the primary agent spreading CWD into wild populations.

My other opinion is some hunters are WAY too worried about genetics and killing "monster bucks". This can be accredited to hunting shows and bad education and misunderstanding.

These "types" bother me more than the type that kill every buck they see...

I read somewhere that 70% of what a deer will be comes for the doe. I asked several deer breeders and they say the same thing

Yup. For the life of me, I can't understand why some hunters are so quick to jump all over the "genetics" explanation, when the real answer is so simple--habitat quality. Maybe it's because "genetics" is a simple answer that appeals to simple minds.




Agreed. They are for more dangerous to the welfare of deer than the young buck killers.

so a hunter, like myself, that passes on dozens of buck(big and small) while waiting on a "monster" is worse than the fella that shot all the bucks I let walk.... ...thats some good thinking....NOT.

Please explain to my dumb arse how my hunting style (average killing an over mature 5-6-7 year old buck every two years) is "more dangerous to the welfare of deer" than the fella that shoots the same buck( or several) at one or two years of age.

I'd say I'm having almost no effect on the local herd....

I agree Bfred, I read every post about 3 times and couldn't make the connection to you. I think you did miss the point.

Here is what I know....good nutrition certainly helps deer grow bigger racks over time. However, in Crenshaw Co for example, the vast majority of your 4-5 yr old deer will not exceed 130-140 inches. I believe that throwing in some larger genetics into the herd while properly managing the domestic heard will certainly help. I think the idea of the big buck project is fantastic. I agree that it is not going to make a difference in Marengo county because they are not going to be able to raise enough funds to do it on a big enough scale to see results..especially since they are allowing hunters to immediately shoot the bucks they release. I'm in no way associated with the guys doing the buck project in Marengo county but when I heard about it I started thinking about how you really could make a big impact across the state.
Hear are my thoughts (just big picture)....
If the State of Alabama put with every hunting license bought each year an optional tag that cost $10 that would go towards releasing big bucks in your county of choice over the next 3 years. Then break it down in priority to the counties with the most tags.
If the Dept of Conservation was running this program and could have a few reputable dealers that could really check the deer for diseases etc and know that it would not be a threat to Alabama's Deer heard, I think it could really make a big difference.
Just thought I would throw a different opinion into the mix.