A-typical Rams in Lanai

A questionnaire was distributed this year while registering for the Lanai Deer hunt and one of the questions asked was if we thought the A-typical Ram (Rams with deformed horns) was caused by inbreeding or lack of nutrition. After some consulting, it was suggested that hunting trophy type rams over the years led to an abundance of A-typical rams breeding at a faster rate than the preferred Rams, thus inheriting deformed horns.

I suggested in the questionnaire that hunting of A-Typical Rams should be allowed during deer and Mouflon season or have a special hunt to eliminate these Rams so the Typical Rams can prosper.

What are your thoughts?

It's worth a try.

shoots!!!!! nah, but thats a good idea

Sounds good. Another way to improve the quality of the horns would be to increase the size minimums. This will allow typical animals to grow horns to a larger size, and off them a greater chance to pass on thier genes.

I think thats a great idea! But I highly doubt DLNR will listen.

I think that size restrictions are a good idea. If you look in the mainland at the successes where they instituted antler restrictions and QDM principles.......no reason why it can't work on Lanai with the mouflon too. Pennsylvania for example. Most bucks at the check stations--like 80% were 1 1/2 y/o spikes and forkhorns.....They put in the restrictions and next thing you know most bucks checked were 3 1/2 y/o 8-point bucks. The herd structure improved and the hunters benefited from better trophies. Perhaps DLNR may listen, perhaps not, but if you don't talk about it den nothing gonna happen at all.

MauiRhino wrote: Perhaps DLNR may listen, perhaps not, but if you don't talk about it den nothing gonna happen at all.

Very true!