Need to adress some other points...since im all fired up...

We would be better served if we teach and demonstrate to new hunters, rules and behaviors that will serve them well in the future.

For example, selective harvest is a management tool that all of us need to embrace. We do it with birds like pheasants, fish, and turkeys. The Young hunter is not dismayed that he cannot kill a hen turkey. Why should deer be different?

Your point that you let a young buck walk and will take a doe for the freezer is preciesly the behavior we need. But left un regulated as it is now, far too many hunters think "Killing a buck" and going to town to talk about it is a better thing than taking a doe...its stupid its foolish...but thats the real world.

We should teach conservation and habitat quality to our new hunters, not just that killing a deer is the goal. And that hunting is the only way we manage or deer resource...and that we all have a responsibilty to help manage it through appropriate and selective harvest.

Thi is not just an "antler only issue" and when we confuse the issue of trophy hunting vs harvest goals, then it gets all confused and emotional.

As to the " I am a meat hunter" statement...thats great Kevin, your ability and freedom to harvest excellent venison will not be impaired one bit. In fact, you could harvest numerous nice fat healty does. So an antler restriction that strengthens the deer herd and heard health is exactly what you are needing as a meat hunter.