ORIGINAL: SteveBNy
What's the difference between shooting a small buck and a doe? I would rather see a doe harvested personally
See above - can't shoot a doe with no permit.
Also - what is the difference between shooting a spike or a 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 year basket 8 pt? Both are young immature deer - bucks don't mature until 5+ years. If you shoot anything younger and you support mandatory points based AR, you are a hypocrite.
Here in central NY, over 60% of the 1 1/2 bucks are 6 point or better - same age the spike or less then 6 points you guys are determined to save.
Let's target the best of the 1 1/2 old bucks - any way that makes sense to anybody?
Steve
There is no difference between shooting a spike and a basket 8 point. They are both excellent examples of small bucks. Look for the antlers to have mass, a minimum of 4 points on one side and both sides spreading outside the ears and you will never have a problem.
As far as the doe issue, I agree with the sentiment to just suck it up and buy either a black powder or a bow. It's the same or similar laws as many other states and provinces. I'm not sure how the seasons fall in NY, but here it goes bow, rifle, black powder. Bow is any deer; rifle is any buck, black powder is doe only. This makes it possible to try to find your buck with he bow and rifle, and if you don't; use black powder season to fill the freezer.
Good luck