In our local newspaper's outdoor section last week, there was an article about asix year study, of three Louisiana parishes. (3 years average harvest, compared to 3 years priorof statistics)
Without getting into the specific numbers, yearling buck harvest was cut more than half.
2 1/2 yr. old harvest was also down.
3 1/2 yr. old harvest was almost unchanged.
And, 4 1/2 yr.old harvest more than doubled.
For the three years of the study, over-all buck harvest was down about 20%, and no doe numbers were mentioned. The study's conclusion was that the average body, and antler sizes did NOT significantly increase, and recommended that taking more does would be the best option for managing bigger deer!
I have to agree with them 100%!
I Think that some of Texas' experimental antler restrictions are good, and I hope that they get over to our East Texas counties one day!
But, we also need some changes in the buck/doe harvest! Currently, most East Tex counties have a two buck, two doe limit. With most counties having a much shorter doe season, than buck seasons! The problem is that many land owners, and lease managers, still have the "cattle ranch philosophy," when it comes to deer management! (one bull, and two dozen cows!) I would hate to give up a buck tag, but something will have to give people an incentive to take less bucks, and more does!
The best management plan might include antler restrictions, but will have to include taking more does!