I also think everyone gets antler restrictions mixed up with trophy hunting.
I agree!
In an area where the buck to doe ratio is out of wack it would be very useful. Instead of killing a small buck, someone would be more apt to kill a doe, thus bringing the ratio back in check. Think about it, 1 less buck killed and one more doe killed, thatsa 2 deer swing closer to a better ratio. There would then be more mature bucks to do the breeding, and there would also be less does bred during the second estrous.This would easily create a healthier deer herd.
I see the intent , but I don't see it as being more effective than earn a buck , which I don't like either. I hunt in an area where the deer have great nutrition and it's very common to see 1 1/2 year old 8 pts. I believe AR's would seal their fate even sooner.
The problem lies with those who don't/wont shoot doe. I hunt in an area that was EAB for 2004 and will be EAB again this year. It would have been EAB in 2005 as well if it weren't for red tape ruining it for the DNR.
Getting hunters to participate in the doe only hunts is what we need around here.
I wouldn't be surprised to see it go full circle and instead of a special doe permit by lottery (like years ago) , it would be aspecial buck permit required to shoot a buck. Then you'll hear some loud whinning from those who chose not to shoot does.