Few comments here

1. Typically an antler restriction DOES NOT force people into "trophy" hunting. We have plenty of year & half old bucks that meet our restrictions. So those guys who want to shoot a young small buck still can (and often do)

2. Sometimes is NOT all about the hunter. Many deer herds have skewed sex ratios and restrictions help balance that out.

3. MANY guys have killed plenty of "lesser" bucks, and to kill another has no appeal to them.