I heard from a guy I work with that the freak deer was someone's pet...but was released for unspecified reasons. That story might be true...b/c some people that live by me have reindeer...and if one got out..or was let go...it would be killed in no time.

The 1 buck rule has varied opinions..depending on who you talk to. From a DNR guy I know...states that last year (first year under the 1 buck rule)...more bucks were actually killed throughout the seasons combined..but the total in early archery dropped due to hunters passing on early season smaller bucks..in hopes of seeing a larger deer later in the season. The size of bucks hasn't changed much YET..but DNR hopes to put Indiana on the map for big bucks in the coming years (which I don't understand..b/c MORE bucks are being taken now..with the 1 buck rule..AND with less hunters). When the 1 buck rule was first talked about..most DNR officers were against it..but a large portion of hunters (well..the one's who actually voiced their opinions) wanted the 1 buck rule. Now it's being debated on whether or not to get rid of the rule a few years early...but it would take some heavy firepower and many voices being heard...or else we're stuck with it a couple more years.

My opinion is this................I don't care. Just don't go to the "earn a buck" system like a few other states. If people want bigger deer..do what Pennsylvania has done...put restrictions on antler size. Just my $0.02

Lets go with an 8pt. restriction and one buck rule. then we will see some real bucks. As for the one buck rule working, I have hunted since 1965 and have seen more REAL shooter bucks this year than I have since the late sixties and early seventys.

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The only way to make a difference is not to post your thoughts here...but go talk to a DNR officer..or attend an IDNR meeting...speak up..voice your opinion. I've done all the above....b/c I too am sick of 1 1/2 year old bucks being "old." I sure hope antler restrictions are worked into the system some how when the 1 buck rule is done.

Are you harvesting any of the older does? Maybe that is why you are only seeing young bucks!

Does are abundant in my neck of the woods, LaGrange Co. has a 3 bonus tag limit...which only a handfull of other counties have...so I do not see that being a problem in my area. Other counties might be different...especially when you have guys who shoot anything that moves.

Three bonus tags!!! You guys need to thin out some of those old does and maybe you would start seeing some decent bucks.

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I am back!! HOpe everyone had a good weekend, i know i did, shot two fat does. I like the one buck rule here in ohio, however they give out these farm permits and they can shoot all the bucks they want to i think! They should also make it a antler restriction to keep producing the big bucks ohio is known for, i am just worried that somone will come in here and by up all the property and make it an outfitters paradise, and for the average hunter he/she(just for you buck huntin girl!) wont be able to afford it. Ohio needs a plan, and a quick one if ya ask me.

i like the obr, and i hope we keep it, i have seen, more and bigger deer the last couple years than ever even took my best buck this year.
i think alot of guys like taking 2 bucks mostly because of not getting skunked, they can take the first buck they see, even if its a spike, then hold out for a bigger one,if they don`t kill another one, they can still say they killed a buck this year..