Antler restriction should definately be decided by zone, and what is appropriate for that area. That is how the NJ system works, and its works great. I am not positive, but is PA statewide? If so, that would not work in NY. I guess I do generalize a little, because I mostly speak for one area, in wmu's in Zone 3.That is where I spend the majority of my time, although last year I huntedin zones 7 and 4. This year will be my first in Suffolk County. There must be something to A/R in Zone 3, because hunting groups there initiated this, and the DEC approved it.

As for "dictating" to other hunters. First off, as parts of PA are seeing, the downsides would only last a few years.After that,ideally, there would be bucks out there to shoot within the rules. Then EVERYONE would get shots at potential trophies. Coupled with increased doe permits, as proper QDM should be, there would be even more oppurtunitiesfor shots on deer. Also, in NJ, there are places where young and senior hunters do not have to follow the A/R rules. Is this the same in PA? We could have a similiar system here.

While I cannot go quoting "sources" for my over hunted claim, I know what I see. Hunting in the Adirondacks, and in the western tier, I never see as many hutners as in the Catskills. Every hotel is packed, there is traffic going out to the land, and there are trucks lined up once you get there. Bow season is not as bad, which leads me to believe that most hunters are opening weekend guys.

Anytime a new rule is passed, there will always be guys like your father Phade who get restricted unfortunately because of it. That applies to anything in life. It is a bi-product of majority rule. I am sure there are people in NJ who get pissed off with all their rules... multiple zones, with a myraid of regulations. NY historically has been a simple state to hunt in. A few extra rules might do us some good and improve the herd. If you research other states hunting rules, I believe you may agree with me. Our 4 week firearm season, without any off-days, is one of the longest in the country. There is no time for the deer to regroup, such as in Colorado's breaks between the 4 elk seasons. I base my opinions on extensive research into almost all 50 states hunting regulations and how they compare to NY's, and compared to most, ourshas basically been "buy a license, load a gun, and have fun".

I am pleased to see that they are changing that.