On the first day of buck season, more hunters are afield than at any other time. Many factors influence how many deer we see. Some, like the size and distribution of local deer populations and hunter pressure and distribution, are a given. Considering these factors, individuals must occasionally change their hunting strategies to improve their chances of seeing deer. Finally, let's not forget that whitetails are cagey and elusive.
Deer have an innate ability to blend with their surroundings.
Sometimes we don't give the animal enough credit. The remainder comprises those antlered bucks that elude hunters during the seasons. Hunters typically shoot about 30 percent of the does in annual harvests. After winter losses, about six of every 10 adult females afield before the seasons start will be around next spring to reproduce. Through issuing antlerless deer licenses, the Game Commission controls herd reproduction by limiting or expanding the population's breeding base.