The late season junior hunt is over and Brooke and Dad had a good time. They worked hard to find a buck for her first hunt but it just didn't work out. They had some exciting chases and almost got a shot at one that would have been a dandy but it just wasn't meant to be this year. On the last morning she was able to get this doe. One shot at 90 yards, very nice. I got to go with them that morning and watched from the truck. It was very exciting and an important day for dad to have our oldest go hunting with him for the first time. Brooke enjoyed the time (except for getting up early) with dad. She enjoyed the target practicing and then finally being successful in her hunt. The truth be told, I am glad she got a doe, I did not really want to be BBQing deer chops from a buck that was in the middle of the rut anyway! The doe will be nice.
I am very proud of her! Yeah Brooke!
The land where they had this hunt is at Fort Hunter Ligget Military Base. They have a very carefully managed wildlife program and year after year have extremely healthy Blacktail deer and Tule elk population. Some of the reasons for the wonderful animal population is the controlled burns that curb overgrowth and encourage growth of nutritious plants and grasses that would otherwise be choked out. The deer also rub in the ash left by a burn and it helps control parasitic insects in their fur. Keeping the buck/doe ratio at the right balance and overall number is critical to a healthy deer population. Too many deer = starvation and sickness. Much of the money collected from license and tag fees paid by hunters goes back to the conservation and preservation of our beautiful natural California habitat. It is true that the best conservation tool is a rifle in the hands of an conciensious and ethical hunter.

Blessings!