Q. When harevsting deer from my property, what are the best deer to remove to help keep the herd strong. We have both doe and buck permits. I have seen many small bucks and young does. Should yearlings be taken so that they do not compete with the older pregnant does for winter food? A yr and a half old buck should have what size rack ? A yearling doe will not breed until next fall so should we take those over a mature doe? Please let me know as soon as you can. Thx,

A. Thank you for your inquiry regarding deer management on your property. Answers to your questions depend largely on where your property is located in the state. I will break the answers down to compare the "north country" and southern Michigan.

The goals you have for your deer herd will determine which animals you should harvest. If you wish to reduce the number of deer on your property you should remove does. In the north adult does should be removed since they are the most productive element. In the south yearling does should be removed. If the adults are removed many areas will be opened for potential breeding by younger does and the opposite effect of increased numbers could result.

If you wish to maintain or increase the herd you need to refocus your efforts. In the north removing the yearling does will provide more food for the adults. In the south removing the adult does will lower the social stress placed on younger deer and stimulate production.

You mention that yearling does will not breed, however deer can successfully breed at 6 months. In southern Michigan .5 fawns/doe can be produced by well fed one year olds. In the north, generally they do not breed.

Antler size varies among regions in the state. In the south 1.5 year old bucks can grow 6 or 8 point racks, while in the north they are generally much smaller. If you wish to protect younger bucks a good guideline in the south is not to take the buck if it's rack does not extend out past the ears. In the north a point restrictions will protect some of the bucks. A 3 points on one side rule will protect about 50% of the yearling bucks, while a 4 point restriction will protect about 80% of the yearling bucks.

I hope this will help you make some decisions on which animals to remove. You may want to review "Learn to Identify Button Bucks" which will help you identify younger deer.