I do not like antler restrictions. They are now starting it in NY state in a few areas. This topic has been discussed here before, but to me hunting should be to help control the deer populaton and for hunters to put some meat on the table. State conservation departments have NO business managing the herds to get larger antlers on male deer, it serves no purpose in managing the herd as a whole. Antler restrictions are plain and simple management for trophy hunters in my opinion. I am very surprised that anti-hunting groups haven't made an issue of this, since it would be great fodder for their cause. Most people who are not hunters really have no problem with deer hunting when they know hunters will be using the meat, but if they knew that the state game departments are now even managing for trophy animals, I think their opinions would change quickly!
I hope noone gives me the bit that I should shoot a doe instead of a small buck. I hunt in an area of the Catskills here in NYS and there have been NO doe permits issued in the last two years now. If I was even further restricted where I could shoot only a 6 or 8 point buck, I think I would not even bother purchasing a license.