RE: how many won't hunt PA again bc/ of ar's?
I just got permision to hunt a 105 acre piece in Pa. I will probably go next year! There is a cabin on the property and I'm going for the experience of camping out and spending quality time with my old man. I couldn't care less about AR's. If I see a legal buck I'll take it. If not I'll still have a good time with who ever go's with me. The more I think about antler restrictions the less I like them! I thought I liked the idea at first but my first buck was a 2x2 and would'nt have been legal under AR rules. That was my favorite buck I killed. Thats an experience I wouldn't have had under those rules! A buck is a buck! If we have them all grow into trophies then are they really still trophies? I grew up around a lot of deer hunters NOT trophy hunters. I like being a deer hunter! I love taking any antlered buck. When I look at the smaller racks on my wall the experience of that hunt comes back to me just the same as when I look at the heads I have mounted! I can't tell you how many ear to ear smiles I've seen on young hunters dragging thier spike or small racked bucks up to the check in stations! Don't try to tell them that deer isn't a trophy! It would be a shame to lose those young hunters to frustration of not being able to kill what in thier minds IS a trophy! We as hunters need all the help we can get to get young people into hunting. Our numbers are shrinking and the anti's are growing! There is nothing wrong with holding out for a bigger buck if thats what YOU want to do but don't try and force you idea of what hunting should be on other hunters! My 4 point is my favorite set of antlers I have! It brings back the best memories and the biggest smile. Under AR rules I would have missed that! Young minds are discouraged very easy. Making them wait to kill a buck because the only ones they see have less then 4 points on a side might be enough to turn them looking for another pass time! Just my .02