Visions of sitting in the perfect spot in 30 degree weather when the Big Buck arrives starts forming in the collective thoughts of most hunters. There have been many terms to describe this vision: Buck Fever, Big Buck Syndrome, etc.

I started writing this article then let it sit for awhile. However, while on a hunting trip to South Texas I saw a "Hunting Show" that made me want to finish. Some of you may have seen this show. It features a guy that starts every segment with the phrase: "Let’s go hunting". What follows is more disturbing. Each segment involves this so-called hunter getting into position and pimping off his sponsor’s products to the general public. His next step is to shoot any animal with horns that has the unfortunate luck to walk out in front of him. He shot one deer that was only 1½ years old, just so he could get paid for shooting something on some pay-for-hunt ranch that hired him for services.

What does this tell the average hunter?

1. Call these pay-for-play ranches because you will get to shoot anything that walks out in front of you.
2. The only acceptable hunting result is a kill of a horned deer (of any size or age).
3. Never pass on a deer that might grow up to be a Boone and Crockett quality animal that will produce even more superior offspring.(See genetics)

I would hate to hunt with these people who basically will shoot at anything that moves. It ruins the quality for all future hunters.

Quality Deer population requires a delicate balance of the following key factors.

1. Food Quantity
2. Food Quality(Protein)
3. Buck to Doe Ratio
4. Competition of resources

This article deals with factor #3, Buck to Doe ratio. But, poor hunting ethics and strategies also affect the other key factors.

Most "real" experts will agree that for optimum deer quality a Buck to Doe ratio of 2-to-1, or even 3-to-1, is ideal. Genetic history and evolution will show that the stronger will survive and populate the species. Therefore if there are 2 or 3 bucks fighting for the right to mate then it makes perfect sense that the stronger, more dominant, deer with populate the species. This will ensure that a greater quality of offspring will occur in the new generations. This cycle will increase quality in successive generations.

The challenge for us (the smart hunter) is to keep pushing the idea that all need to hunt responsively. By this, keep telling people and send positive signs that harvesting does, spikes, and aging/less genetically superior deer is OK.

As for us, we will continue to avoid all hunting shows that do not promote ethical hunting and fishing techniques.