ditto Phade on most of his reply to kotten.

I especially agree with the length advice. Most people wouldn't have gotten past the background info (however goo/relevant it may be).
I also agree that the DEC nor we as hunters need to be worried abut making the bucks bigger or having more trophy buck, therefore we don't need AR or QDM. I think that needs to be the choice of the individuals and landowners. If you want to institute QDM on your land, that is your right. I think that QDM is a good thing and works in the right circumstances (ie - a lot of acres; 500+, maybe more like 1000 ac.)

I've never been a big fam of the younger hunting age. It's not that I wouldn't have loved to hunt then. I just don't thing that 12 (even 14) year olds are mature enough to take on the responsibility. I could see lowering the age to 14, but making them be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

I don't like the doe only or earn a buck ideas. For one, I do not want to be out in the woods and see a slammer and not be able to shoot it. That would be very frustrating and discouraging. Also, as much as I hate to say it, there are propably many hunters that would take that buck illegally. My suggestion would be to have a earn a doe tag. If/when and where needed hunters could get another doe tag when they get a doe. That would help minimize the effects of the hunters that get doe permits knowing they won't ever use them. Maybe it is a universal doe tag that could be used in any season.

As for the other stuff, check out my comments on this and other similar threads. I think they are fairly straight forward and could appease most parties. A brief synopsis:

1) Bow - stay the same or start Oct. 1st - I really don't think 2 weeks early will be that great. It's warm & heavy with leaves. I would look at it as being able to scope with a bow in tow.
2) Shotgun - start on the proposed Saturday. this would appease most shotgunners even if some traditionalist wouldn't like it. I like the tradition, but could live with the change
3) Late Bow - do away with it?? I would not be heartbroken. I look forward to muzzleloading. Keep it the same if necessary, but I haven't seen a overwhelmingly strong voice season
4) Muzzleloader - open after shotgun. last for 4 weeks.


Bow hunters get to keep their prime rut season and undisturbed hunting and maybe pick up a couple weeks, but lose a good weekend.
Shotgunners get the the saturday opener and gain a weekend of hunting.
MLers get a real season.