That was very interesting reading.
I hunt around Hayward, WI and we were an EAB area for most of the last 5 years. I don't think I really saw an increase in the antlerless harvest here as may of the hunters shot bucks or didn't shoot a deer at all.
I too am in direct opposition to the expanded special interest hunts (Youth, Oct.\Dec. herd control, Early Muzzel loader). It is my contention that the early start to the general firearm season is a good thing. The archery hunter has had to that point approx. 45 field days to hunt and fill a buck tag. For the firearm only hunter, having to hunt post rut as has been the current practice handi-caps the hunters chances. Being that the archery hunter already has another 30 plus days after the general firearm season to continue to hunt.
However, as to the 16 day season, I am from Minnesota and grew up under that structure. I have found it to be just as effective as the traditional 9 day season here. With the addition of an extra week of time with the group, a less stressful hunt allowing for more time to fill a tag or to help fill the tags of other party members.
IMO, the basis of the WDNR's current season proposal and in place seasons are primarily based on hunter satisfaction instead of sound herd control science.
The system in Minnesota allows for one buck per tag per person every year. With a lottery in place for an either sex permit for the successful applicant. In the past each year that a hunter applied they earned preference points and usualy on or about the third year a hunter received an either sex permit.
The 16 day season antlerless lottery also allows for the expansion or reduction of antlerless tags based upon population goals and current herd density.