I'm also from PA. We got antler restrictions in 2002. At first, I was against them. I thought it would lessen my chances of getting a buck and I thought only the best genetics would be removed. As in, most bucks shot would still be yearlings, but the ones with the best genetics.

Well, I changed my mind 100%. We are not only seeing very large racks now, but we are seeing bucks that are 200lb, 220lb, 250lb and even heavier. Every year we are getting nice 5x5s on trail cameras. And there are actually very few spikes. It seems like most yearlings are 5,6,7 and even basket 8s now.

I think a lot of the yearlings having better racks has to do with herd reduction and improved habitat. Antler restrictions will get you that 250lb 10 pointer.

I actually passed up a few legal bucks in the past few years. Back in the day, the first 4-pointer would get it.

Now, some of our beliefs changing may also be do to trail cameras. I'm sure we never saw a lot of the big bucks that may have existed prior to ARs.