"My logic is as follows....In the past (prior to antler restrictions) we had virtually no forest regeneration statewide."

There is a very big flaw in that logic. The earliest pgc regeneration assessment, I believe, which data was collected from 2001 to 2004 showed only 7 wmus rated as "poor" for regeneration out of the total 22. That can be found on the 2005/06 pgc annual wildlife report, deer section.

I also agree with what bb has stated, but he is speaking of the worst areas and not addressing the "statewide" part of your statement.