Last I knew the DEC alreadly regulates how we hunt on our private lands. They set our seasons, time frames, sex of animal, size of animal, bag limits, weapon used. So the DEC decides to stop Ar's that might possibly help the deer herd, and we applaud them for it?

ARs without herd reduction will still result in a decease n the rack size of the average 2.5+ buck, so why would you or anyone else support it?

As long as its "might possibly" - in other words, a guess, yes I applaud them.
Its been determined that there is no compelling biological reason for AR in NY.

Steve

That is not true at all. There is absolutely nothing that indicates any decrease in the antler size of 2 ½ year old bucks or any other age group based on the Pennsylvania antler restrictions.

In fact I have data that indicates the antler size for 2 ½ year old bucks from at least this part of the state have improved during recent years.

Dick Bodenhorn

I saw this post a few days ago and decided to respect the request. I'm sure you NY guys have all the opinion and facts you need from PA.

Whatever happens in NY, I hope you guys don't wind up divided over it.
Good luck and good hunting to all our neighbors to the north

Thanks BTB. Good luck to you all this year as well. Apparently you have the best/ worst hunting of anywhere.

It is easy to research what is going on in Pa - visit the NE forum here and try not to see opions. Its great that hunters are passionate - but the level it gets goes beyond passion and ofton into hardheaded nastiness.

One thing that is obvious if you compare is that they are 2 very different areas - as claimed by all those who say findings from other states can't be used in Pa because you have unique dynamics. Works both ways.

NY has seldom or ever had public discussions or calls for HR other then isolated urban settings, Our large tracks of forested land - mainly Adirondacks and Catskills - historically have low densities. In many units there, there are few if any does tags given. Never heard of a need to lower further for certification. AR there would effectively limit opportunities to where many hunters would just give up.

The Alleghaney forested region in the SW part of the state consistantly produces one of the highest buck takes with a lot of real slammers every year. No strong biological case can be made for AR there.

Just some thoughts on the differences in the 2.

One thing for sure - topic brings division.

Steve

No, you do not have the data that shows the average rack size of 2.5+ buck have increased, you just think you do because you don't know how to collect and analyze data correctly and objectively.

Even Dr. Rosenberry said they don't have the data to show if ARs increased or decreased rack sizes so how did you collect better data that the professional teams that check deer processors?

BTB, nice attempt at protecting RSB , but it didn't work.

Bluebird - please( please was for Corny) take the Pa stuff to one of the countless Pa threads on the forum.

I am changing my original request (too strongly worded) for the Pa guys to give us a thread to the following:

Input is greatly appreciated from anyone with knowledge of the herd, habitat, and biological needs of NYS - which vary greatly across the state and are somewhat unique to us in some areas.

We are not looking to hear what is wrong/right in Pa in this thread unless there is a direct correlation to NY - and we all know cause so many claim that Pa is unique onto itself.

Thank you
Steve

Sorry Steve! Even my attempt to acknowledge and honor your request accelerated the hijacking. Good luck and good hunting!!!

Gee,

Am I allowed to post to this thread or do I need to ask permission?

Hang in there Bluebird. You got it right.