I heard from a guy I work with that the freak deer was someone's pet...but was released for unspecified reasons. That story might be true...b/c some people that live by me have reindeer...and if one got out..or was let go...it would be killed in no time.

The 1 buck rule has varied opinions..depending on who you talk to. From a DNR guy I know...states that last year (first year under the 1 buck rule)...more bucks were actually killed throughout the seasons combined..but the total in early archery dropped due to hunters passing on early season smaller bucks..in hopes of seeing a larger deer later in the season. The size of bucks hasn't changed much YET..but DNR hopes to put Indiana on the map for big bucks in the coming years (which I don't understand..b/c MORE bucks are being taken now..with the 1 buck rule..AND with less hunters). When the 1 buck rule was first talked about..most DNR officers were against it..but a large portion of hunters (well..the one's who actually voiced their opinions) wanted the 1 buck rule. Now it's being debated on whether or not to get rid of the rule a few years early...but it would take some heavy firepower and many voices being heard...or else we're stuck with it a couple more years.

My opinion is this................I don't care. Just don't go to the "earn a buck" system like a few other states. If people want bigger deer..do what Pennsylvania has done...put restrictions on antler size. Just my $0.02