From Bowhunting To Better Deer Herds: How Local Clubs Shape Regulations

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever wondered why some places enjoy long archery seasons and robust deer herds while others lag behind, this conversation puts the puzzle together. We sit down with bowhunter advocate Tracy Price to unpack how local hunters can turn know-how and passion into real changes—longer seasons, smarter regulations, and stronger herds—by organizing through clubs that actually sit at the decision-making table.We start with the surprising reality in New Brunswick: archery makes up a tiny slice of total harvest yet faces one of the shortest seasons in North America. Tracy maps out why extending bow season creates more opportunity without risking herd numbers, and why this isn’t a gun-versus-bow fight—it’s a hunter-opportunity issue. From there, we dive into the herd science that matters most: age structure and doe-to-buck ratios. Passing on yearling bucks and improving doe tag programs can push herd growth toward that 30% potential in good winters, instead of the 5% many see now.Habitat gets an honest look too. Clearcuts, monoculture, and glyphosate reduce browse diversity, pushing deer into towns and lawns where food and safety converge. We share practical ways hunters are helping: food plots built with farmers, clover and brassicas that draw deer off crops, and a nuanced take on supplemental feeding in harsh winters. Gear debates aren’t off-limits either—compounds vs crossbows, draw weight rules—and Tracy outlines common-sense changes like lowering legal draw weight to 35 pounds, aligning orange requirements with other regions, and adding a short bow-only window to the moose season without altering the draw.The thread through it all is agency. Clubs write and advance resolutions, governments listen when memberships are strong, and policies shift when hunters show up. If you want better seasons, healthier deer, and a real voice in wildlife policy, this is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with your hunting crew, and drop a review to help more folks find the show. What change will you put your name on next?Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!