RE: NYC Hunting Alliance Movement - NYCHAM
Steve, open discussion and opinions are a big part of the communication network that I am starting with NYCHAM. We, as a state are in the first phase of a new deer management plan that include antler restrictions. AR's (I think we can all agree) will help to enhance an imbalance in our herd's age structure. That being said it is an improvement over what we had. The DEC did not just cave in to the whims of a few hunters to placate them. They realized that deer and hunting would realize an immediate benefit. Not only willAR's positively effect herd age structure and enhance breeding scientology, but the larger antlered bucks that we will gradually see will help revitalize the interest in hunting and we definitely need that. The fact that a hunter will now have to take an extra longer look at an animal accomplishes a couple of things. 1) less accidents and 2) less senseless wounding of the animals that we love. The DEC saw this as a win-win situation and were smart enough to learn from the Pennsylvania experience that they could not ram it down the throats of sportsmen. Hence, the gradual introduction in a modest amount of WMU's. Keep in mind that many of the brightest minds in biology and a huge groundswell of hunters are behind this QDM movement because science is telling them that it is the best methodology for healthier deer and certainly a positive influence on hunting in general. Are AR's the final answer? NO. Are they an integral part of the beginning phase of better deer conservation? ABSOLUTELY! Be patient and give it a chance, I believe the long term benefits far outweigh the short term inconvenience. Happy hunting![/align]