QDMA
Quality Deer Management (QDM) is a management
philosophy/practice that unites landowners, hunters, and managers
in a common goal of producing biologically and socially balanced
deer herds within existing environmental, social, and legal
constraints. This approach typically involves the protection of young
bucks (yearlings and some 2.5 year-olds) combined with an
adequate harvest of female deer to maintain a healthy population in
balance with existing habitat conditions and landowner desires. This
level of deer management involves the production of quality deer
(bucks, does, and fawns), quality habitat, quality hunting
experiences, and, most importantly, quality hunters.

A successful QDM program requires an increased knowledge of
deer biology and active participation in management. This level of
involvement extends the role of the hunter from mere consumer to
manager. The progression from education to understanding, and
finally, to respect; bestows an ethical obligation upon the hunter to
practice sound deer management. Consequently, to an increasing
number of landowners and hunters, QDM is a desirable alternative
to traditional management, which allows the harvest of any legal
buck and few, if any, does.

QDM guidelines are formulated according to property-specific
objectives, goals, and limitations. Participating hunters enjoy both
the tangible and intangible benefits of this approach. Pleasure can
be derived from each hunting experience, regardless if a shot is
fired. What is important is the chance to harvest a quality buck - an
opportunity lacking in many areas under traditional management.
When a quality buck is taken on a QDM area, the pride can be
shared by all property hunters because it was they who produced it
by allowing it to reach the older age classes which are necessary
for large bodies and antlers.
The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is a non-profit
wildlife conservation organization dedicated to ensuring a
high-quality and sustainable future for white-tailed deer and
white-tailed deer hunting. Founded in 1988, the QDMA currently
has more than 40,000 members in all 50 states and several foreign
countries including over 800 deer management professionals -
more than any other white-tailed deer organization. The QDMA has
developed numerous partnerships with state wildlife agencies,
timber companies, hunting groups, and product manufacturers.
These partnerships have increased both the awareness of the
QDMA and participation in the Association's management
philosophy, Quality Deer Management (QDM). Without question,
the QDMA is rapidly becoming the most respected and influential
white-tailed deer organization in the United States.

 The QDMA promotes:
* Safe and ethical hunting.
* Adherence to wildlife and trespass laws.
* Adequate harvests of adult does.
* Restraint in harvesting young bucks.
* Hunter involvement in education and management.
*Cooperation with wildlife biologists and enforcement officers.
*Education of hunters and non-hunters toward a better      
understanding of wildlife management.
*Stewardship and appreciation of all wildlife.