Here is my take on the situation. You need more then just genetics for a big rack. You need more then just a food source to get a big rack. There are alot of things needed and a combination of all for the big racks. The anter restrictions are now providing it. For those that have been hunting for 15 years or more, think back. It was nothing that on the first day of rifle season to see 30+ deer in a day. Right? Out of those deer that you saw 99% of those deer where doe or button bucks. Now fastforward to today. In a season (Archery and Rifle) I may only see 30 - 40 deer total. But what I am seeing is a mix of about 3 - 1 doe to buck ratio. About every 3 bucks that I see, one is a shooter by state standards. Does anter restrictions work yes for those that want to see more bigger bucks, but if you want to see 30+ deer when in the woods then no antler restrictions don't.

Here is another thing to think about. What is theaverageweight of the deer that are taken now as to then? I don't have the proof right now, but I would have to say that the bucks are averaging over 140 lbs now to back then they averaged maybe 110. That to me is a sign of a healthier herd.

For the guys that are out of state with out antler restrictions, what is the herd like there? How many deer are you seeing when you go out on an average day?