Germ here is some information from Cornell on the pilot program in Ulser county is being viewed.
Attitudes about the Pilot Program
There was considerable divergence as to how respondent’s perceived other
hunters’ attitudes about the program prior to the 2005 deer season. The largest group
(41%) thought that hunters took a “wait and see” attitude. Almost one-third (32%)
thought hunters were generally opposed to the program, while 26% thought hunters
supported the program. Following the deer hunting season, somewhat more respondents
(51%) believed that support for the program has remained the same; 28% felt fewer
hunters supported the program after the season, and 20% indicated that more hunters
support the program after the season.
Compliance with the Regulations
Most hunters (60%) indicated they didn’t know how good hunter compliance was
with the pilot program regulations. Of those who had an opinion, 72% felt that
compliance was strong enough to begin to show a change in the age structure of bucks.
Thirteen percent of those who answered the question, or 9% of all respondents, indicated
they knew someone other than a hunter under 17 years of age who took a buck in 3C or
3J that did not meet the antler restriction criteria. These 47 respondents reported
knowing of 105 bucks that taken that did not meet the minimum antler criteria. At the
4
upper end, 2 respondents reported 6 bucks, one reported 7, and one reported 8 bucks
taken (not necessarily by the same hunter) that did not meet the minimum antler criteria.
Additionally, 22% indicated they heard about bucks that were did not meet the
minimum antler criteria. These 74 respondents reported a total of 197 bucks that were
taken illegally; one respondent had heard about 11 deer taken illegally, and another heard
about 10 deer taken illegally (not necessarily by the same hunter).
Overall Satisfaction
Overall, 39% of respondents indicated they were generally satisfied with their
hunting in WMUs 3C and 3J, 31% indicated they were generally dissatisfied, and 30%
gave a neutral rating of neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. The general outdoor experience,
hunting with friends and family, and knowing efforts are underway to change the age
structure of bucks were the leading sources of satisfaction. Not seeing enough deer,
insufficient access, and lack of time to hunt more were the leading sources