Deer hunter success is affected by several factors. Paramount among these is deer density. All else being equal, success will be proportional to deer abundance. But all else is rarely equal. Also affecting success are effort, bag limit, method, skill, weather, tackle, terrain and other factors. The purpose of this article is not to discuss all of these, but to explore the relation of hunter selection and archery tackle to success rates.
MECHANICS OF SELECTION
Bowhunter success rates are strongly affected by the degree that bowhunters select for a specific deer or antler condition. For a variety of reasons, when given the opportunity, most hunters will select an adult over a fawn or an antlered buck over a doe.
Selection implies having a choice. Most bowhunting seasons have allowed the harvest of any deer. Long hunting seasons with a bag limit of one tend to encourage selection as many bowhunters defer killing something to extend their hunting experience. High deer populations also contribute
