I disagree with having to force people to shoot a certain size buck.
Also, AR doesnt always necessarily work, because as mentioned, it doesnt protect all younger animals. It may infact cause the overharvest of young bucks with better genes.

HOWEVER, I see its benefits as well. In my home state of NJ, we are allowed to harvest up to SIX bucks a year. The only limit on the size of antler is; "One side must have 3" of antler or more."

The attitude of most hunters around here is; I have six tags, and anything is legal, so who cares....pound em all. People do it too.

I want to change the regulations to include a maximum of three buck tags per year. Two of those tags should have antler restrictions. (4pt)

I understand that some of the good sized young bucks could be harvested under this plan. But they are able to be killed in force under the current management plan anyhow. Under my plan they will be protected, if only by the amount harvested.

Most of our 1.5 yr old bucks in NJ are 6pts. (fours with brow-tines) So the majority of them will make it to their second year with AR in place. While the second year isnt an optimal time to harvest them either, they will have survived a year of hunting pressure. This should make them slightly harder to kill. Possibly allowing them to reach 3.5, and so on and so forth.

I have seen the benefits of AR in select regions of NJ, and it can work in certain areas (States).

With a doe management plan working alongside the AR. You can see the benefits much sooner.

After hunters see the results of passing younger bucks, and allowing them to further their potential, you can eventually lift the AR. Allowing hunters to use their new found understanding of QDM to impact their judgement of what animals to harvest.

While Antler Restrictions arent necessarily the right answer, they are usually a foot in the door. Helping to change hunters attitudes. Allowing them to see the benefits of passing on younger bucks, and harvesting the correct amount of does. Enabling the herd to become healthier and more balanced.

Have a good one---Matt