When was a record book ever used to base the quality of any deer in any state? Record books are just that, to record animals that have been harvested that met minimumPope and Young or Boone and Crocket scores. Sorry Corn,but it's hockey night! Gotta go
The records are kept for every state. If states have relatively few, there are reasons for it. Either age, nutrition or genetics. And of course, if those factors are a nonissue, sheer numbers are a consideration. If a state has more record book entries than it used to, one of those or more have improved. If there are less, then some have declined. Therefore, like it or not, the record book has some business being in the conversation of deer management, although for the managers its not the direct goal by far.
BTB, I agree. A booner anywhere is a class of its own. Although in Pa the odds even in the best area are quite long, and everywhere else in the state are about as good as getting struck by lightning.