It depends on when you were brought into deer hunting in PA. I remember when a guy would hunt hard all season and possibly not get a shot op at a deer. Seems that when you did get one it was so much more satisfying and you had a real sense of accomplishment. The last 10 to 15 years have really spoiled alot of the "trout fishermen" in PA. Instant, easy results and gratification are the objectives in todays world. The program is working. Herd reduction AND some dandy bucks around, for those that desire the challenge of hunting them. Even though there are more big bucks, that doesn't mean they will be easy to kill. A buck gets real elusive when he gets older. I think the program has done more to restore hunting as a true discipline and not a casual activity.
I couldn't agree more! Sadly though, I've only been hunting for 12 years and I grew up in Western PA where all the deer are! I now live in NW PA and there are a lot less deer up here in the ANF than we had back home on the farms. I kill more deer now than ever before and it's all on public land. What's so sad about that????? Well, I'll tell ya!
I remember seeing herds of does on the rifle opener. I remember seeing herds of doe all through doe season. It isn't like that anymore and the hunting is making me a much better hunter than I was 5 years ago. I now HAVE to work or I don't succeed. Before all I had to do was be in the woods and eventually I'd get lucky. Not to burst anyones bubble, but I think the hunting is better and hunters either need to HUNT or take up some other form of instant gratification pastime.