I understand the need for these seasons because rifles are not allowed in these areas and as a result they don't get hunted as heavily during gun season. That doesn't mean there isn't pressure, but I know areas that guys used to be allowed to shotgun hunt that are not accessible anymore because landowner are not comfortable with gun hunting so close to homes.

I know the guys I've talked to that are going out, myself included, are staying out of their honey holes until the horns are allowed. I'm sticking to public land for now. As for guys taking a buck, I hope they don't but if they do they'd likely find another way to poach anyway. I know I'm used to having to pass on bucks because I also hunt NJ who uses earn-a-buck in the zones I hunt. So, no doe, let it walk.

It's nice just to get out, and even though the hunting has been hard I'm enjoying it.