Big Country

TDS, I don`t think that very many people look down on PA, when it comes to deer. There may be some confusion caused by people like myself, that would like to see some changes for the sake of more big bucks. As a lifelong resident of PA, I certainly don`t look down on our state when it comes to deer hunting. We have tons of really good bucks, both in antler size, and body size. But, it can get better. I am no biologist, but I fear that it will be tough to make a good comprimise between high buck #`s, and BIG BUCKS. Some people want alot of bucks, and some want really big ones. I want to manage for really big ones, but I realize that I may be in the minority here. If the majority of PA hunters want to have more bucks, then I think we should go with the majority. I am lucky enough to be financially able to travel to mid west states that are loaded with really big bucks, and little hunting pressure, so I can pursue them there.

rochelle

Im wondering if there are plenty of big bucks in Pa. why I meet hunters from there here in Illinois that say the deer are small and too many hunters.Need to take out some of the does in order to produce some trophys.

Big Country

Rochelle, there are some big deer in PA,but not big like you have in Illinois. When I started hunting in Illinois 5 years ago, I checked out B&C records for both states. For typical whitetail, PA had 16 entries..... Illinois had 600+ entries. I realize that not everyone who shoots a booner gets it entered, but at a rate of 600+ versus 16 entries, it is pretty clear which state has more top end bucks. PA has some areas with a high percentage of farmland where deer tend to grow bigger, because of food availability and alot of posted ground. In other parts of the state, we have little farmland, and mostly state forest, or state gamelands. As buck magnet pointed out, we do have some really big bucks in some areas, but not the size or quantity of a midwest state.

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PABowhntr

I think the others pretty much came up with the correct answer.....soooo many hunters shooting soooo many 1.5 year old deer in such a small area.

Someone earlier stated that big bucks wouldn't be sitting in an area that had 15 hunters per square mile......I would looooovvvve to hunt in an area like that. Where I hunt there are closer to 15 hunters per every 200 to 300 yards....<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>...I will post some pics of this Saturday's hunt....

Crowpecker

The title question was &quot;Why does everyone look down on PA?&quot; My guess is because we're up here in NY state?? Kidding, who knows for sure my friend. Most of the negative comments come from people who never set foot in the state, meaning it's just sterotypical (don't ya just hate that word?) I've had the opportunity to hunt in many states and PA isn't any better or worse than many other states. I think it's gotten to be like Polack and Italian jokes. Seems most people like to have something to pick on.

Dave590

Because ya'll talk funny.

longbowman

Hey Deer Slayer, get in touch with me. I'm sitting at work in Meadville right now! Drop me an E-mail at my wifes computer at home: [email protected] or here at work [email protected]

midman26

I am not gonna comment on this thread ,due to the fact that the people have been told what to believe and wouldnt beleive the truth anyway..............

buckhunter3

I think there are some big bucks here in Pa.
I think a big change should be the way hunters hunt for a big buck.Most hunters still go about 100yds into the woods sit on a stump or in a tree stand that looks like a house and expect a huge buck to come walking by.I hate to say this but alot of hunters are getting lazy and the big bucks are getting smarter.I even jumped a doe this year in the second week in a area with all downed trees and she jumped up when I walked past her not 20ft away from me.Think what a big buck will do.