I am actively involved in building and shooting Flintlocks and many of my friends that are into this sport are from PA.

All of them bark about how much hunting in PA has gone to hell in the last 10 years.

Most feel their DNR's policies have been the downfall of their deer herd.

Why do you guys feel deer hunting is in the toilet ?

As far as worrying about not being able to get a big buck in PA - forget about it.

Not every member of every team is going to get a big one.

Truth be known I would say 1/3 of all entered will not register a buck in this contest.

That being said, a 4 point could put us over the top !!!!!!

Hunt hard, HAVE FUN, the deer Gods will give us what we deserve.

It is a team effort and as a team we shall conquer.

Good luck

The Hunting sure has changed the last 10 years in Pa. I would not say it went to Hell though. When the PGC let the rifle hunters shoot Does during the 2 week buck season that was start of the change. They also put antler restrictions, 3pt and 4pt to a side state wide. The rifle hunters shot alot of does which the DCNR wants. From what I see the antler restrictions are working. You see some nice bucks coming from Pa in the last few years. I hunt the Big Woods of Pa [ Pike, Suskie,Tioga Co] where the deer are not that plentiful and the Southeast [ Bucks, Montco,Philly Co] where there is a deer behind every tree!!The deer are still there in the Big Woods you just need to do you homework and scout some more. Down near my home in the southeast I have some nice farms to hunt and some spots on the Delaware river that are loaded with deer. I shoot 3 to 4 does a year and try to hold out for a nice buck, 8pt or better. I love deer meat. I think that 8pt rule will be out the window with the recurve in my handPa is not as bad as the rep its been getting the last few years. Just hunt hard and it will payoff. Be Safe!!!

Hatchet Jack

Guys, just remember that this contest is all about fun. No one is expected to lower their standards or goals to "take one for the team". Do what you feel comfortable with. Your decision will last you longer than it will the team. Pensylvania has some good bucks and we should be just fine.

Last year was the first year that I ever entered a deer contest (this one) and I will only shoot what makes me happy. If we all do the same, we should be one big group of happy campers. May the deer gods smile upon us! Respect!

This Deer contests will not play in the decision's I make in the Deer woods. This is all for fun! The best part about this contest for me is talking to other Bowhunters from different parts of N.America. The team sharing their hunting stories and new friendships. I still keep in touch with some of my team membes from last year. Hey GregH I met a Bowhunter at my kids playground and he hunts your state each hunting season. He shot some MONSTERS out there, so I think we can expect you to shoot a 10pt or better for the teamBE SAFE

Hachet Jack

hatchet jack, I've shot some pretty decent bucks ranging up to 14 points including some 10 pointers. However, they were not "clean" 10 pointers, you know, 5x5s. I've shot 6x4s and 5x5s with stickers that I wouldn't trade for anything, but I want a clean 5x5. My goals are the same as last year..... clean 5x5, 125 plus or anything in thehigh 140s or better.I missed a high 150s 4x4 last year due to my owm stupidity, I hope he's still around. Giant 8 pointers are a sight to behold!

I dont see the need for any of us to lower standards just for this contest, its not worth it or fair to the young bucks i think. Why shoot a small buck that has potential to be a monster the next year just cause of a contest, not worth it when you can hold out for a bigger one that you will be more pleased with anyways. The only time i will lower my standards is if it is near the end of the season and there is still a lil room left in the freezer.

Oh and Greg since you have been voted our captain you have to add your name in the team captain list.

Here you go GregH

135 Gross if I remember 128 net, but he is clean.

That's right Germ, I need one of those!

Nice buck Germ. Is the right side palmated a bit? Looks like it from the pic.

Last week i talked to an uncle about a new spot to hunt. He gave me the go ahead on setting up my trail cam, but had to talk to another part owner of the land for a definite answer. Checked my cam on sat afternoon with 63 pics. Raced home to check to see what had been in the area. Mainly does and small bucks, with a couple of exceptions. Hopefully these pics will show up, but it looks pretty good. Notice the second eight behind the ten. Hopefully things will work out for me.