Cost
Whether applying through a state or federal agency, hunting a managed game ranch or private land, females generally cost considerably less than do its male counterparts. In some cases the difference is astronomical. In Texas, for example, trophy axis bucks fetch as high as $3,000. To hunt the same land yet take a female lowers the cost to under $200. In some states, tags for females are as little as 10% of the cost of tags for males.
Better odds
Females always offer better odds in public drawings. In some places the odds for getting drawn for a female tag are, depending on the species, as good as 2 to 1. In addition to having better odds, some hunts for females have additional benefits such as an extended hunting period, better hunting dates, and hunting during times generally associated with better weather.Most hunting areas are overrun with females and the managers of these areas do everything they can to ensure that hunters, not only come out to hunt but, are successful.
Another benefit to applying for female tags is the fact that it often puts hunters in the same areas that hunts for male animals occur. By hunting these areas for females, hunters learn the topography of the land, game patterns, and where the best places to hunt are. This information only helps to insure success if the hunter eventually gets drawn in the same area for a male in subsequent years.
A great way to get access
Specifically targeting females often gets hunters into areas they wouldn’t normally have access too. A friend of mine tried for years to obtain a hunting lease from a rancher to no avail. But when my friend asked about the possibility of taking some whitetail does to help fill up his freezer, the rancher changed his tune.Once the rancher saw how responsible, ethical, and committed to hunting fair chase my friend was the rancher reconsidered and offered a lease.
Sometimes it just takes a girl to get you in the door.
Game ranches
Love them or hate them, game ranches are considered by many to be the future of hunting in some areas (it already is in some countries). By surrounding vast parcels of land with 8-foot tall fencing, stocking it with exotics, and managing it specifically for hunting many ranchers are finding their profits soar high above what it was when they were cattle, sheep, or goat ranching.With most larger game ranches offering posh accommodations, extraordinary service, a full time chef, and nightly entertainment many hunters find themselves priced out of ever hunting these Mecca’s of wildlife. Not the case with females.
In addition to having considerably lower costs for taking a whitetail or exotic doe over a trophy buck, many game ranches offer discounted daily rates and guiding fees for females. Some even go so far as to let non-hunters or spouses accompany hunters for free.
These hunts are a great way to see managed land, a ton of game, and come away with excellent table fare.
Manage lands
Land owners, game ranchers, and others interested in sound wildlife conservation often have trouble keeping their buck to doe ratio at a prescribed figure. These managers often look to hunters to not only take care of the does, but make a little money as well.Again, these types of hunts are great for getting your foot in the door and establishing yourself as a reputable and ethical hunter as well as giving you the opportunity to go afield. In my home county of Gillespie, Texas a rancher gave away doe hunts in order to get his buck to doe ratio down as he didn’t have any hunters interested in paying. Ever turn down a free hunt?
Probably the best reason to look to hunting the female of the species is the simple satisfaction of spending time outdoors, doing what you love.
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