Harvest Numbers For Deer Reported (Non-check station WMAs)

Let's see how this all shakes out on the turkey harvest hidden and not reported harvest numbers (someone else can play with the deer). IMO (and others) their past wild harvest "guesses" are most likely so far from the actual numbers they have now received through their mandatory reporting system they are embarrassed to post them. Much easier to hide behind the supposed mass of non-compliant poachers. Reading my NWTF Spring 2023 Turkey Guide FWC reported their "educated" guess as 15,000 birds harvested in 2022 in the State of Florida. This total would be for both Eastern and Osceola subspecies we can assume. It isn't differentiated. Won't it be a real hoot if their new actual mandatory reporting system now only shows half that? How about if it's only 30% off? All non-compliant poachers?? Dream on. The numbers from the no check station/no drop box WMA quota hunts will be most telling. I'm still betting these numbers will be very accurate if for no other reason that the chance of being caught cheating would have been much greater and not worth the risk to these non-compliant poachers that run wild throughout the state.

As is often suggested on this forum's political pages if you don't like something don't read it. Maybe the now 5000+ that have read this thread will have an impact. At least make someone think "gee these guys aren't near as dumb as we thought". I'll keep posting and the all the apologist can keep apologizing. I'll apologize when actual turkey kill totals for all of Florida's 67 counties and 139 WMAs are posted (if ever). The question will be if and when the numbers do show up if anyone will now believe them. Too bad about that. It's the hole they dug for themselves. POST THE NUMBERS.

What's incorrect? Have the all the turkey and deer kill numbers from the mandatory reporting systems been posted someplace that I've missed? Have I missed a secret apologist access code? This obvious intentional non reporting situation being posted on one national turkey forum before day's end. Florida post always draw great interest. 5000 views will be a drop in bucket.😱

While I agree the data should be posted, I don't think it is for nefarious reasons as you insist.

Mandatory reporting data tends to be low as a result of non-compliance. Phone survey estimates tend to be high given successful hunters are more likely to respond (response bias). For management purposes, the actual number isn't as important as the longer term trend of those numbers that show increasing/stable/decreasing populations.

30% non-compliance isn't uncommon in other states, with some states estimating 40+% non-compliance (at least initially).

How can one determine a rate of non compliance with something like this? I see 30,40, and more %s thrown around arbitrarily here and other places. Where do these numbers come from? I mean, if someone isn't reporting how does one figure how many are not complying?

I wasn't talking about Florida, I was referring to other states reported non-compliance rates. While there isn't any fool proof way to estimate non-compliance, other states have used LE check points, meat processor inspections, social media, etc. Heck, some states use phone and other types of surveys which we know from joekat are worthless. Several states that used to have mandatory check-stations switched to phone/internet reporting and harvest dropped significantly which was a result of increased non-compliance.

On second thought if the amount of non compliance is as high as some on this forum and other forums have suggested it is understandable they don't want the received harvest numbers openly disclosed. These numbers  could make their prior guesses look foolish at best. I'll go the FOIA route and hope to get some answers prior to November when I apply for the quota hunts.

I'm punting on this issue. Know a losing hand when I see it.  IMO these numbers in their entirety  will never be seen on the open public web site or maybe posted with the numbers adjusted for the best guess number of non compliance especially regarding private land.  At least the large number 5700+ that have read and participated in this thread should be an eye opener to some officials and remind everyone that mandatory reporting in now required. Physical tags for all are urgently needed IMO.

Some deer numbers now listed in the Deer and Turkey Hunting section. Not county by county totals or for turkey but they are a start. Thank you.

Now I get it. Ten guys read these post 700 times each. There was really little interest in harvest numbers. Lol.

I think Joecat is referring to the WMA harvest numbers in the Deer and Turkey section of this forum.

top 5 spring turkey south wmas. 1 fisheating creek 2 ok slough 3 dinner island 4 big cypress/panther area 5 big cypress/ crew area.           honorable mention allapatta flats. best non quota jw corbett.          most improved,,,   tie ,    spirit of the wild and picayune strand

And none should be a big surprise. One has always been hot but a very limited quota. Had 7 points and still didn't draw one of these.  Think the system is rigged. Lol.
Did they finally post 🦃 results for all WMAS?  I had stopped looking.