I believe there are several different ways to look at AR restrictons. I myself have not decided if its something I'm for or against. For 1 yes it'll bring out the trophy addicts if it works, and then you'll have even more problems with available hunting land. I've heard horror stories in Illinois over land rights, and trepassing. Its all Big $. I hate the whole Big $ trophy crap. It makes me sick how its become an huge industry, and I don't like the direction it taking our sport. I don't like some big name hunters who simply pay big bucks to harvest big deer to make a bigger name for themselves. Trophies is not what huntings all about.
On the other hand if managed properly it can be a added benefit to our herds health. Obviously more mature deer is a good thing. Its really kinda sad that most deer harvested in NYS only reach 1.5yrs old.
A better balanced mature deer herd can also make the hunting more interesting. The typical signs, and ways we hunt that are suppose to work can work better when things are balanced out.
I think DEC is approaching this in a good manner. They're not jumping on the band wagon, and doing test pilot areas first. I like that. See if it works for NYS, and what adjustments need to be made.