Double creek hit the nail on the head.

In areas where they refuse to limit the amount of buck tags, or are too liberal in the amount given, they would be better suited to add AR.

However AR is not a good choice if QDM is an option. Basically AR is a band-aid, or a way of FORCING QDM on unwilling hunters. Though its not TRUE QDM.

To answer the comments about certain states; States like Maine can consistantly produce larger bucks because of the fact that the land is so vast, and the hunting pressure is nill compared to the land. Besides, Maine is not really a top producer when it comes to big bucks. That state is a bad example.

The Midwest on the other hand is a good example! Its also no secret that the Midwest is a more fertile land, consisting of better nutrients than most other regions. A 2.5 year old buck from the Midwest is normally quite a bit larger than a 2.5yr old buck from another region. This causes two things to happen. Hunters are more apt to come across a larger buck, thereby changing the attitude of most hunters, causing them to pass the younger bucks, knowing there are bigger bucks out there. Also the young bucks that are harvested, are already bigger to begin with.

I cant even begin to imagine how gigantic the bucks could become if all the hunters out in the Midwest region passed younger bucks, harvested their share of does, and culled any truly inferior bucks, known to be older than 4.5-5.5.

Bigger bucks arent exclusive to those areas though. The recipe just more easily exists in those areas. In areas such as NJ, NY, PA etc. Hunter density is much higher, and the nutrients to grow 300" monsters isnt there. However, if you look through the record books, 200" monsters are possible. They just need age on them to get there. To let them reach this potential, we all have to pass the younger bucks. A buck is not considered mature until it is 3.5 years old. However its skeletal, and muscular potential wont be reached until its 5th year. Furthermore a buck wont reach maximum antler potential till its 6th year. QDM isnt about waiting till a buck is 6.5 to harvest it. That would be TDM. QDM requires hunters to pass 1.5 year old bucks, the same bucks which have the highest vehicle mortality rate. Thus allowing more 1.5 year old bucks to survive to 2.5. They will be one year "smarter", and more apt to survive to 3.5. This trend continues on, allowing more bucks to reach their maximum potential. Thereby balancing the herd.

There is no cost to practice QDM, simply use your better judgement when harvesting deer. Harvest the recommended number of does and the correct number and approximate age of bucks.

Though some claim it will be much easier to harvest large bucks, the challenge will still be there, these deer arent going to lose their survival skills just because there are more of them. However the probability of seeing them will rise. Also tactics such as calling and scents will work more readily, because the ratio of bucks to does will be more in balance. This should increase the enjoyment level for all hunters.

Whether you focus on enjoying the outdoors, large antlers, or eating venison, you will benefit from QDM. There's something in it for EVERYONE!!!