No disagreement there whatsoever. Just pointing out that it’s kind of ironic when the states, who in some cases instituted the antler restrictions, start efforts to reduce herd numbers, often targeting mature bucks.
Which state did that? Southern?
Wow, never even occurred to me this is happening. I'm sure it is. Times really have changed. I'm only 37. This thread gives me a lot to think on, generally regarded the QDMA as a net positive on hunting but good post above illustrating the outcomes. I don't have kids, but me and most of my friends first deer were all button bucks. It was such an exciting time. I was actually in high school, 15, remember classmates asking me what it was and responding "just a button buck" and getting "hey, that's cool, that's what my first deer was too!" excitement back. I think the QDMA stuff came on the scene heavy around me as I was transitioning stages of hunting in and after college as I picked up bow hunting and naturally seeking more mature/bigger bucks so never occurred to me what has been discussed on here or looking at it from the perspective of new and young hunters.
Tennessee. The epicenter of CWD in the western part of the state was in an area with several large (by TN standards) landowners who had been on long term QDM programs plus an 18K acre club that was trophy managed for many years. Despite years of liberal state regulations on doe harvest and a two buck limit, the overall deer herd was large and healthy, with a high population of older age class deer because a lot of landowners and clubs were practicing their own management standards. Arguably some of the best hunting in the state. CWD prevalence, just 7 years after discovery is now said to be north of 60% in 3.5 yo+ bucks in the defined epicenter. The once 18K acre (theyve lost some acreage recently) club that had a 125” or 4.5 yo minimum restriction on bucks for many years has been essentially open harvest the past few seasons, has just a fraction of their members base and is killing at best a handful of mature deer. I have friends with property in the area and the deer are basically nonexistent and mature bucks few and far between - and the ones left are hunted by several people. I grew up in this area and watched the evolution and the only term I can describe it as is sad. Sad first and foremost for the deer, but also the hunting community, as the hunting culture is I’m afraid forever changed.
Pennsylvania did that. Basically 3 pt on one side and 4 pt on one side areas. Then increase doe license sales by increasing numbers or adding DMAP tags. In some areas it decimated the herd IMO. In others had little affect. It really put it back on the hunters to do the right thing. Which never works IMO. I think the antler restrictions have helped with a bigger older buck population if that's your goal. There is some great bucks coming out of PA right now. Its just at what cost? Would I shoot a spike or fork horn. No. But there is little I would shoot. I would rather take others. Attached is a picture from last year. This buck is roughly 8.5 years old based on deer drive siting's the previous years. I chased him hard with no success. I took a week last year to go after him. I finally got him with in range. At that point in my mind I had finally won and let him walk. I was pretty stoked. This camera is at my stand.
I teach 3 or 4 hunters Ed classes every year. Every class some 12 year old will show me a picture of a 130” deer their dad told them they had to pass. I bet most of them end up with tag soup.
You know what I do now? I don't ask the neighbors what they killed and I don't tell them what I take off my land. Ignorance is bliss. The deer I shoot are hung where they can't see them, and I no longer share pictures on any social media.
We’re all on good terms. It’s kind of like any hunting camp, we just hunt different properties. I genuinely enjoy sharing in their successes when I get photos from them.
