"so why is the state managing antler size? "

To make deer more visible by not having them shot off asap. Having those off limits bucks parading around was the idea so that the extreme herd reductions effects would be more acceptable to some...

Also, in this wmu, there are fewer big bucks than ever in recent history. The effects of saving yearlings could not overcome the effects of 60% ow herd reduction. The over winterherd was reduced by over 50% even though the habitat in the wmu was never rated as poor and human conflict rated low. Currently in the wmu the goal is supposedly STABILIZE not reduce the deer herd yet more tags are being issued than there were when according to pgc the previously larger herd was reduced! Also, 16500 antlerless harvest reduced the smaller herd, yet the recent goals each year have been 18000!!!!!

Can you say BULL-.......!