Deer density varies greatly in Georgia, but with an average density of 25-30 deer per square mile, a rule of thumb to keep a level deer herd is harvesting 33% to 40% of your deer herd every year. So that is about 10 deer per every 600 acres. More in some areas, less in others.
The density in Georgia is the lowest it has been in several years. That was by design as the state was above the carrying capacity and the lowered numbers have produced higher quality deer and sustainable browse lines.
But the population is lower now and it is up to landowners and club presidents to help preserve the deer herd. The DNR has given everyone the tools to manage their own land (that is why the doe limit is so high, to allow large property owners the ability to reduce their herd size). But that doesn't mean everyone needs to kill their limit of does! "It depends on your property" is the answer to any question about your deer harvest numbers.
These 1000 acre clubs with 15 members really need to be a thing of the past. I know alot of folks don't have the money to be in higher acreage clubs, but it is either less members or limiting members to 1 deer each. Neither of these is popular.
If folks don't want the deer herd to get smaller, its time to make some hard harvest decisions and club decisions.
The density in Georgia is the lowest it has been in several years. That was by design as the state was above the carrying capacity and the lowered numbers have produced higher quality deer and sustainable browse lines.
But the population is lower now and it is up to landowners and club presidents to help preserve the deer herd. The DNR has given everyone the tools to manage their own land (that is why the doe limit is so high, to allow large property owners the ability to reduce their herd size). But that doesn't mean everyone needs to kill their limit of does! "It depends on your property" is the answer to any question about your deer harvest numbers.
These 1000 acre clubs with 15 members really need to be a thing of the past. I know alot of folks don't have the money to be in higher acreage clubs, but it is either less members or limiting members to 1 deer each. Neither of these is popular.
If folks don't want the deer herd to get smaller, its time to make some hard harvest decisions and club decisions.