RE: NY do u think we should have a antler restrictions?
Phade,
1:1 ratios are the natural state. All deer that are born every year are 50% does and 50% bucks. As part of the Catskill Forest Association you do get the opportunity to meet with the DEC and other land management professionals. During these meetings, the DEC does state that they do in fact desire the ratio be closer to 1:1. Hence this is why the DEC changed the regulations for WMU 3C and 3J to require that bucks taken are to have at least three antler points on a side to be legal. The only reason this past was to bring the ratio closer to 1:1. This is a fact and you can ask the DEC yourself.
\When you discus harvest numbers and base your opinion on that you forget one point. DMP’s were down 40% this year. Every one gets a buck tag…not everyone gets a doe permit. If there were no restrictions the ratio would not be the 1:3 that you claim. This ratio is strictly controlled by the DEC
With all due respect, when was the last meeting you attended with the DEC? I have attended two in the last 8 months and have never had them dismiss ratio's issue. They acknowledge is out of balance. Hunters desire opportunities to harvest deer and DMP’s allow hunter that opportunity.
I would absolutely agree with you that they work the DMP permits are mostly based on the capacity of the land (food, water and shelter), that is a basic strategy that the use to manage the herd. The DEC will tell you that as well at their meetings.