Troup County Goes To 4 Points On A Side For All Bucks

Next fall, deer hunters in Troup County will to have to count to four before they pull the trigger on a buck. With DNR Board approval, countywide quality-deer-management regulations will begin with the opening of archery season.

In late January, results of the hunter survey in Troup County were completed. A total of 431 survey cards were mailed to deer hunters. The state received 259 survey cards back. Of that response, 73 percent were in favor of countywide QDM. A percentage greater than 66 percent was required by the state before implementation of the countywide regulations.

The Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has recommended buck-harvest restrictions for Troup County of four points on one antler before a buck is considered legal.

WRD biologists looked at data from approximately 90 bucks killed in the county last fall before making the 4-points recommendation. Last year’s buck-harvest data provides a snapshot of the county’s deer herd and allows biologists to project the impact of harvest restrictions. 

According to WRD Wildlife Biologist Scott McDonald, the 4-points-on-a-side rule would have protected 100 percent of 1 1/2-year-old bucks, 43 percent of 2 1/2-year-old bucks, and 15 percent of 3 1/2 and older bucks.

The 15-inch outside spread rule in effect in Macon and Dooly counties would have protected 100 percent of Troup County’s 1 1/2-year-old bucks, 90 percent of 2 1/2-year-old bucks, and 57 percent of 3 1/2 and older bucks — a percentage that was deemed too high. 

“The 4-point rule will definitely work better,” said Scott.

The WRD’s countywide QDM regulations goal has been to protect 1 1/2-year-old bucks without over-protecting 2 1/2-year-old bucks.

The 4-points rule will match QDM regulations already in effect in neighboring Meriwether, Harris and Talbot counties.