Despite widespread awareness of the importance of doe harvest, many hunters struggle to meet goals and maintain deer populations in balance with habitat. Our local group of NDA volunteers, the Coulee Country Branch, has been promoting doe harvest through organized events and venison donation drives for a number of years in Wisconsin. Here are some ideas that have worked for us to increase doe harvest and venison sharing while having a lot of fun as a group.
Make It Fun
Create a tradition around the doe hunt. Make it a fun weekend or week with friends and family—something you look forward to. Maybe create a “big doe” or doe donation contest for the entire community. Turn it into a hunt with a purpose, where you’re not just harvesting deer but giving back to families in need.
Set Specific Goals and Expectations
Just declaring “We’re going to shoot more does this year” usually isn’t enough. We often start the season with good intentions just to fall short. Set a clear target and make sure everyone is on board. Some have instituted their own version of “Earn a Buck” to help achieve their goals. Specific goals help maintain focus and yield additional satisfaction when the goal is met.
Line Up Venison Recipients Before the Hunt
Identify ahead of time a local meat processor that accepts donations or families who would enjoy some venison. We have been surprised how many folks will take a field-dressed deer. They are often people who genuinely appreciate venison but can’t hunt themselves. The National Deer Association now has a map showing the location of deer processors participating in venison donation programs. Some processors have drop-off stations with walk-in coolers for after-hours delivery. Knowing exactly where the meat is going makes it easier when the harvest occurs.
Enlist Other Hunters
If you own, lease or manage land, invite others to join your effort. Don’t try to meet your doe harvest goals alone. Whether it’s friends, neighbors, or your local deer management cooperative, shared goals often lead to better outcomes—and more fun. Sharing an end-of-hunt success story over a beverage or campfire seems fitting.
Give New and Young Hunters a Shot
A doe harvest is a perfect opportunity for a youth or first-time hunter. There are number of first-time hunter programs through NDA and many state wildlife agenices. These hunts usually occur early in the season before the rut when does are out early evening, providing great opportunities for a new hunter.
Let a Young Hunter Deliver the Venison
If possible, let a young or new hunter be the one to deliver the venison to the receiving family or food pantry. Seeing the gratitude first-hand builds pride, connection, and a lasting memory of doing something good.
Tell Your Story
Share your experiences with fellow hunters. Whether it’s over a campfire, on social media, or at a hunting club meeting, talk about the rewards of donating venison. Your story might inspire someone else to join the cause.
Don’t Obsess Over Button Bucks
Sometimes we can be a little antler crazy. If someone mistakenly takes a button buck thinking it was a doe, don’t criticize. This is going to happen occasionally when you emphasize doe harvest. Celebrate the harvest of high-quality venison. Biologically, there’s no harm done.
Time Your Doe Harvest
Schedule your doe harvest event before or after the rut. Taking does during the rut won’t hurt your chances of seeing a buck, and in fact it can help. But it can be tougher to get participation from other hunters. NDA encourages early doe harvest for several reasons. However, after the rut, a holiday-themed hunt provides an opportunity to make a seasonal event of donating venison to a needy family. Maybe a new tradition evolves.
In Sum
It turns out harvesting more deer is harder than we initially thought. One size doesn’t fit all, and every situation is unique . The key is to be intentional, inclusive, and prepared. When done right, doe harvest can be rewarding in more ways than one—and it’s a critical part of responsible deer management. Happy hunting!
About the Author: Kim Zuhlke of Wisconsin is an avid conservationist, hunter and fly fisherman. He currently serves as President of NDA’s Coulee Country Branch. Kim’s farm, Little Blue Ridge, is in southern Monroe County.