RE: Indiana one buck rule
I have a challenge for the pro OBR guys:
The OBR was forced upon us by the active lobbying, sometimes behind closed doors, of a relative few would be bwanas, and the DNR has called it a "social experiment" at best. There is already lobbying to make it permanent, even though "the experiment" is not yet concluded and the data to date has not been fully collated and analyzed. So here's my proposal:
The OBR was supposed to be for a period of 5 years, then the data would be analyzed, probably for at least 1-2 years, although 5 was a possibility. The thought occurs to me that in order for the experiment to be valid the experimental data would have to not only be compared to the previous 5 years, but also to a control period of the same length where no bucks were killed at all. This way the number of mature bucks could be more accurately evaluated with less room for error. Basically, following the 5 year OBR period there would be a 5 year period of "antlerless only" hunting, then all data would be collected and analyzed. This would be of particular benefit to the DNR's herd management program since nearly all Indiana counties currently issue bonus permits, and as an added bonus there would be a gazillion newly created mature bucks in the 5-6 year old prime class for everyone to hunt, quite literally a booner behind every bush. I'm sure the farmers and insurance industry would be supportive as well.
Put your money where your mouth is, you want a restriction that guarantees the desired result, here it is.