I remember years ago a man that had hunted for about 15 years and had killed ONE four point. The man couldn't see very well and was not able to climb or walk a long way. He was happier over that four point than any of the "pros" on TV shooting a 150 Iowa monster. In most of Alabama and a lot of other states the deer are over populated. I see no reason for those types of restrictions. To say that a 4 or so point will be a "trophy" at the age or 5 or 6 is a guess. A lot of bucks in our area won't ever be a 120 or better. Don't have the genetics, natural minerals in the soil and they can die of a lot of reasons before they reach the older ages. One mans cull can be a kid's or older person's trophy.

In south Texas, the average inside spread on a deer would prob be around 17 to 19", but in northeast Texas 15 to 16" buck is a good buck. I dont mind the rule concerning adults, but to make a kid pass on his 1st 8pt cuz it might be shy of the spread is insane. Its very difficult to judge spread width on a broadside deer at 150yrds, I dont care how many you have shot.

Take your kids hunting to preserve the sport.

Thanks guys :patriot:

there will be a lot of ground checking from now on. in the thickets of east texas a long quick shot at 50 yards might be the only shot you get

My only problem with using inside spread as a tool for buck management is that not all deer will grow a rack with an insside spread of 13" ,what I mean is that age should be the determining factor in what to shoot and who says a five year deer can't have a rack with less than a 13" spread,in my opion it is another case of the few people with power and money dictating to the others what to do,when it should be put to a public vote especially when it comes to hunting on public land or concerns the generla public,privite clubs and landowners can already impliment whatever type og management program they want anyway.

I am not a trophy hunter, and was disappointed when the three-point rule went into effect in Arkansas; however, it has improved the size of racks I see on public land, and I killed two legal bucks last year.

As for youths, I don't think antler restrictions apply in Arkansas to anyone 15 or younger. They can drop a spike if they want, as it should be. I still have my first antlers, with the tag attached. Now they look dinky, but back then I thought I had accomplished the impossible.

Somebody correct me if I am wrong on the youth regs for Arkansas.

My problem with it is that it seems to be "managing" for narrower spreads. Guys will end up shooting younger 14" wide bucks, that might grow to 16 or 18 or 20" wide over the coming years, and letting mature 12" wide bucks go, to mate and spread their narrow genes.

ipsc..
That is a pretty 10 point in your avatar, but it is a good example of how somebody would have a decision to make. If you go by the ears rule for 13 inches, your pretty 10 point would create a dilemma in shadows of my thick woods. I realize the picture may not do the buck justice, but it looks borderline and I don't like breaking the law. I would hope my decision would be cut and dry. On a personal level, I don't mind the rule, but I don't know if it is right to force it on everybody, especially when a lot of people have little time to hunt, and have spent the money to do so. I have seen some tall heavy racks around here that may or may not be much wider than the ears.

If I was a buck, I would prefer a heavy, tall and narrow rack, and a well supplied harem of alternating estrus does. I could produce a family of untouchables.

C. Davis