I have to agree with Sylvan on AR not being effective in the area in the Finger Lakes where I hunt. A very large % of the 6 and 8 points I see are 1 1/2 bucks wih racks that would score under 100. AR won't protect these and I doubt that many supporters of AR would make a case for them being "trophies". They are simply immature deer that should be passed if your goal is to take a "trophy". If that is your goal and you take these deer, then you might as well be shooting BB.

I think a majority of hunters hunt a few days per season. They like to see some deer and maybe get the chance to take one - buck or doe. If we lose these people because that goal becomes unrealistic because of HR or AR, our numbers will shrink and our ability to fend off attacks on hunting will lessen also.

The only way to see bigger bucks is to let the small ones walk - especially the 6 and 8 pts - that is where the true "trophy" potential lays. The best way to acheive this is thru education and example. And always remember that what is a "trophy" is defined by the individual.

Steve