RE: Ask for stricter AR in Pa 1/23
 

VA head hunter, you need to familiarize yourself a little more with the issue. PA is doing HERD REDUCTION because there are too many deer (at least according to DNR).

RE: Ask for stricter AR in Pa 1/23
 

Ulysses/Wingbar:

This is the most sensible, rational thought you've ever posted. I AGREE 100%.

Bolt down the antler restriction across the board. Button bucks should get a buck tag. Kids can still shoot the first deer that they see, and benefit as they will from enjoying a successful hunt.

I'd support a four-point rule across the state.

I think we could also use a width restriction which would permit the taking of large deer without many points. For example, last year, I took a huge, 19" 6 point that would NOT have been legal had I been hunting just five miles west. I also had to pass on a very mature forkhorn that was roughly 16" outside.

I would support a rule that permitted the taking of any antlered deer with a 15 inch or greater spread, regardless of the number of points.

RE: Ask for stricter AR in Pa 1/23
 

No method of AR is perfect as you pointed out. You mentioned the wide 6 pointer. I have a 152" buck that is 14 3/4" inside and my buddy shot a 169 5/8" Whopper on Our Illinois lease that measured under 15" inside.
Point count is the simplest but not the best way. Antler spread works too but not in enough cases as I've illustrated. The best way is a score method but it's far to complicated to use in widespread fashion.

For the masses of PA, the point count may be the only feasible way. JMHO!