You are absolutely correct that there are no easy answers, but Alt tried to use AR as an easy answer to sell herd reduction. But,as you pointed out ,herd reduction means harvesting more buck as anterless deer which offsets the benefits of AR. AR also means harvesting a higher percentage of our 2.5 buck, which also offsets the benefits of saving more 1.5 buck when it comes to improving the age structure of the buck population. AR allows more buck to live one year longer so there will be more 2.5 buck, but those buck will be samller than the average 2.5 buck in a non-AR herd.

Alt sold his plan based on promises he couldn't keep and it remains to be seen how hunters will react when they realize Alt's promises will never come true.