Hello All. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is implementing new requirements for checking deer this season. In the past, you took your deer to a check station, they wrote down a couple of details on a log book, initialed your tag, and you were done. Beginning this year, in addition to the regular stuff, the hunter is 'strongly recommended' (read 'not absolutely required') to pull a tooth, take basic measurements on the rack, check the hooves and tongue for diseases, and check a doe's utter to see if she is lactating. The teeth will be analyzed by a state university. The collected information will be used to guide management decisions, with the long range result being a larger, healthier deer herd. If the program is successful, chances are other states will begin to implement it as well.
Personally, if the process isn't too complicated (instructions are provided at the check station), I don't mind spending a few extra minutes to improve the herd. What do the rest of you think?
Personally, if the process isn't too complicated (instructions are provided at the check station), I don't mind spending a few extra minutes to improve the herd. What do the rest of you think?