Originally Posted By: jeffreythree
I have seen cull hunts on big high fenced ranches with pics like that, though. You should see a doe harvest on a new high fenced ranch sometime. Texas pretty much lets you do anything you want if you high fence and have a management plan.


Yes and no. I fully agree that a "hunt" on a 50-acre high fenced "ranch" with pen-raised deer (just to show it off on your wall) is unethical.

However, Texas does allow MLD (Managed Lands-Deer) permits to be used on certain properties. Yes, this does prolong the season and allow hunters to take more than the number of deer provided for their county under a normal license. But there are also a lot of other restrictions. Basically, the landowner has to conduct deer surveys and follow harvest reccomendations provided by a biologist. This information is given to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) which then issues the permits. When harvesting an animal, the permit holder records data on the animal (age, sex, weight, etc.) and places a tag on the animal. Participating landowners are also required to implement brush management, food plots, and general manipulation of the land to better the herd and so on.

Here's my $.02:

MLDPs are a great way to manage your herd and find out what you have running around on the land. I don't have personal experience on any lands I hunt on, but I know quite a few people who have MLD lands and I've seen the process at work. The beauty of it is that landowners do NOT have to participate. It is completely voluntary. IF you want the extended season and tailored harvest strategies, you follow the rules set by the TPWD. When done properly, it creates a healthier herd. Landowners who are uncomfortable with the idea can continue about their business and follow all of the normal hunting regulations.

Best of all, MLD implementation is free. It is not just a "rich man's" game to grow monster deer. Any landowner can use it so long as he/she jumps through TPWD's hoops.

Here is link to the TPWD site that has more info:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/permits/land/wildlife_management/mldp/

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