QDMA and its role at Western Illinois Trophy Outfitters

Quality Deer Managments is a very important part of our operation at Western Illinois Trophy Outfitters. Not only do we establish food plots to boost the nutrition of the deer, we also strictly enforced our quality deer harvest program. We feel very strongly that buck deer should be allowed to mature. This gives our clients the opportunities at large mature whitetails. Most of our properties have a 130" minimum. Should a client shoot a deer under the minimum, a fine will be applied and all of our clients understand and agree to this before their hunt begins.

However, part of our QDMA is the taking of a certain number of does. This too is very important to the well being of the deer population and the habitat. An over abundance of does means more competition for food for all of the deer. If the number of deer are not kept to the proper levels, a long harsh winter could kill off a large number of the deer due to starvation or disease. This is why it is so important for the hunters to take part in the proper deer management techniques.

In order to harvest the buck deer at the right age, it is important to study deer of different age brackets. Obviously a 1.5 yr old deer is smaller than a 4.5yr old. Now as a hunter how can you tell the difference. We are going to provide you will pictures of buck whitetail deer at various ages to help you learn to judge the age of the deer. If you want a closer look, just click on the image to display a larger picture. If you are not sure you can properly judge the deer, please talk to your guide. Your guide will be more than happy to help you and tell you what to look for in a good buck.

1.5yrs	2.5yrs
3.5yrs	4.5yrs
Special thanks to QDMA for allowing us to use these photos