re: Do any of you guys use a deer management program?

The big question is are those that make the decisions on your lease in agreement with your ideas? If so you can go forward, however if EVERYONE that is family/makes decisions on the land isn't on board you will have family that hate each other in a few years over a Freakin' deer.

Keep in mind not everyone wants trophy deer, some people actually could care less about giant deer and want the social aspect and some venison for the table and that's it. The key is figuring out what everyone that matters in your club wants, setting it up and sticking with it.

If you establish a $1000 fine for shooting a 3 year old buck and don't enforce it what good does it do? If you piss enough people off and they shoot deer and sneak them out what good does it do. Making changes as you are suggesting is a big deal make sure you know what you are getting into before making changes.

As an FYI I'm in three clubs, one is it's brown it's down, the other is 130" or better, and the other is my farm in IL where if it's not 150" or better and you shoot it you NEVER get invited back. I've been in your shoes, I enjoy all three places a lot it's just all about what you and those that will continue to hunt the land want.