Bows & Does: Start Your Virginia Season Right

It's nice to take a big buck in the rut, but don't forget that Virginia's early bow season is a great time to target does.


"Harvest of antlerless deer is necessary both to control deer populations and develop the balance in sex ratios most hunters desire," Lafon said. "Buck harvest has little or no impact on deer herd growth, and continued emphasis on bucks contributes to the kind of deer herds hunters often complain about -- lots of does and few bucks. Adding to the doe harvest is our brake on deer population growth, and reducing doe harvest allows the population to continue growing.



"There are more areas in Virginia where we need control than growth in deer populations. Although bowhunters do not kill nearly the quantity of does as firearms hunters, they have the first opportunity to harvest their 'meat' deer before the rut, when they will likely turn their attention to bucks. For these reasons, doe harvest is good for deer hunting and deer management."

hey, there's no better eatin than a doe in early bow! haven't been run by the bucks or a late season drive. still has good fat to keep that venison tender!

This doe was young, but she was available on opening day. Some olive oil, low sodium soy sauce and a really hot grill......delicious.

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