I'll wade in...I disagree.

The deer herd varies across the country and in some areas is out of control for sheer numbers. That means that harvest will have to be used to maintain, manage, and be a major part of our management efforts by Departments of Conservation.

There is a balance that, once the herd size is where the officials and landowners want it, that should be maintained for good genetics, herd health, and so on. And that may mean that we need to alter the harvest patterns that we have...such as increased Doe harvest, harvesting does earlier in season, reduced buck harvest, selective harvest to manage age classes, etc.

The goals of deer management that were set in the 50s are no longer valid, its time to manage the resource better, not just have population increases as a goal.

Its sort of like slot limits in fish management. When fishermen become indiscriminant in their harvest....all sizes, over limits etc, you need to impose rules that will improve the fishery.

I know in Missouri, I see far too many immature bucks killed, not nearly the population of 3 year old deer and above, and not enough does harvested. It has made the deer population out of balance, increasing numbers, and poorer herd balance and health. Plus the property damage in crops in some areas is becoming a factor as well as highway kills.

When we as hunters learn that to harvest appropriately is the goal, and that the testosterone rush from a buck kill...even spikes and forkies is a thing of the past, we need rules and regs.

My vote is for antler restrictions. Its been proven time and time again to be the right thing for the resource and hunters will adapt after the initial complaints.