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Has The QDM Bubble Burst? – D & DH
2 Apr2010
I just ran across an article from the Deer & Deer Hunting June 2010 issue that was sent to me in their newsletter. The article is entitled “Has the QDM Bubble Burst” and in it Charles Alsheimer questions whether QDM can maintain its momentum in this new age of deer hunting. I was immediately curious as to why in the world Charles would propose this. So here are the five reasons he thinks that the QDM might be nearing it’s demise.
- Unrealistic Goals
- Problems with Neighbors
- The Wrong Focus (big racks)
- Money Matters (it’s expensive)
- The Burnout Curve
Read the full article here.
Whats my opinion on the matter? No way jose, QDM is here to stay. It has been engrained in deer hunting culture way too firmly over the past decade. You can’t watch a TV show or read a hunting magazine without mentions of QDM and seeing monster bucks. I’d argue that we’ve become spoiled. Whether or not it is right to focus on them, hunters LOVE big racked bucks. We love them! We dream about them and many of us would do whatever it takes to see and shoot more of them. So although QDM can be a lot of work, can cost a lot of money and might be a pain in the butt; I still think the end justifies the means for most hardcore hunters. There have been way too many record book bucks taken in the last couple years for everyone to just pick up and leave the QDM philosophies behind. There are a lot of great reasons to practice QDM, but the biggest reason why it’s not going anywhere is because we love big bucks and QDM is the best way out there to improve your chances of bagging one. It’s as simple as that.
I don’t think the Quality Deer Management Association has too much to be worried about, QDM is here to stay.
What do you think? Agree, disagree, can’t give a rip about QDM? Lets hear it!
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2 Responses to Has The QDM Bubble Burst? – D & DH
Jason Smith
April 7th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
No doubt QDM is a catch phrase that has really caught on. I am surprised by the number of people that claim to practice QDM but really do not truly understand it and think that it is only about bigger racks. While QDM is what you make of it and it many cases those practicing it are after bigger bucks but when done correctly this is just a natural result of a well planned management program. The QDMA has gained strength and is getting a much better hold in the Midwest where we already have big bucks. I am glad to see it catching on and more and more people getting involved. As a member of the Heartland Branch my favorite thing about being a member is the ability to meet with other like minded people and participate in events and share resources, knowledge and labor. Its an amazing organization that many more people should become involved with.
Mark Kenyon
April 8th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Thanks for the great comment Jason!
I think I should also clarify that I fully support QDM for its wide range of benefits, not just the big buck potential. My point was just that of all the benefits, many hunters out there will value that big buck side effect so highly, that they wouldn’t dare stop QDM.