Two identical sets of data might result in two different management plans, since recommendations are based on both the biological data and on the landowner's management objectives. If the landowner wants big bucks and has a dense deer herd, the management plan might include reducing the number of does on the property and instituting a rigid antler spread and/or point-restriction rules. If the landowner has that same dense deer herd and wants to reduce it to lessen damage on crops or orchards, the management plan might call for heavy doe harvest and no special restrictions on bucks (other than the statewide three-point rule, of course).

"The DMAP program isn't a quick-fix to deer management objectives," Zawislak said. "The first year of participation is mostly used taking baseline data to establish a starting point, After a couple years of collecting data and evaluating it, we can start making management recommendations based on the biological trend data that begins to emerge."

DMAP is administered through the AGFC's private lands biologists (see sidebar for contact information.)

DOE PERMIT PROGRAM
This program provides a mechanism through which landowners and hunting clubs can legally reduce the number of does on their property to make room for more bucks and better herd health. A minimum of 1,000 acres is required for enrollment in the Doe Permit Program. Doe tags are made available to the clubs at reasonable cost, the number of tags being based on an assessment of the property by the private lands biologist. This program, however, does not provide the level of technical assistance available through DMAP.

"These bonus doe tags don't count against the regular season deer limit," explained Ted Zawislak. "It's a mechanism for reducing the deer herd on a piece of property, to improve overall herd health." The Doe Permit Program is also administered through the AGFC's private lands biologists.

CHECK SHEET PROGRAM
Although it provides no mechanism for helping landowners or club members manage a deer herd, this popular AGFC program (more than 3,000 enrolled to date) does provide a convenient way for landowners and/or hunting clubs to check their harvested deer and therefore stay legal. Since many Arkansas hunting camps are in remote locations and a trip to the nearest established check station can be an ordeal, this program provides a valuable service to hunters and at the same time increases compliance with check laws, thereby improving the accuracy of the annual harvest reports.

Enrollment requirements are straightforward and simple: The camp must own or lease at least 200 acres; the camp must have at least six hunting members; and wildlife officers have the authority to refuse to allow camps to participate in the program if violations occur.

The check sheet program is available for both deer and turkey seasons, and the annual enrollment period is May 1 through Aug. 31. To sign up, contact the AGFC's Little Rock office at (501) 223-6430.

ACRES FOR WILDLIFE
This, the grandfather of all the other landowner assistance programs, started more than 40 years ago as an outreach program of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and the AGFC. It is under review at this time for updating and revision, in an effort to make the program more helpful to landowners and land managers in the 21st century.

There is no minimum acreage requirement for Acres for Wildlife enrollment, and participants can receive several free services on request, including: a wildlife habitat evaluation and plan; Acres for Wildlife cooperator signs; food plot seed; and bumper stickers and shoulder patches. Landowners must re-enroll each year. In order to receive seed packets, the enrollment form must be received by Feb. 1.