Are you serious? Common sense aside, there have been numberous studies that show a bucks antlers will increase in size from 6 months(buttons) to 1.5 years(spike, forks, small racks, etc.) to 2.5 years(heavier, wider, generally bigger), etc. It's also been studied and found that a deers rack will degrade toward the end of his life(full possible lifespan). And, if you are simply referring to this state as "yet to be seen if that will translate into 'bigger'" then I suggest you take a few evening drives or do some spotlighting. You won't see the bigger bucks without looking for them.

I agree with the rest of your post. We are in line to have fewer deer. I think what's going on right now is the herd is being reduced, but mostly by removing does. The buck to doe ratio is less skewed than it ever was. I believe the buck numbers are the same or similar to pre AR, but the doe numbers are way down. In the years to come I think the herd will gradually become less and less....bucks and does will be less as well as less recruitment as you mentioned.