Deer regulations changes.

[hobiecat]

What are ya'alls take on the new deer regulation changes. Do you think MDC is going in the right direction with antler restrictions? Do you think this will be enough to get the desired results? Wht so you think they could have done better?

[oneshot]

Well from what I've been hearing from TX.,AR,and PA. nope !!!!!

oneshot
The Big Grin thinks them Horns Taste like Glue

[Outdoorsfool]

Do you think this will be enough to get the desired results?

Tell you what Hobie...you tell me what results are desired (and WHO desires them) and then I'll answer your question. The desired results vary depending on who you're talking to and what area of MO you're referring to. If we're talking about what results MDC wants, then that also depends. On one hand, they say they want older, larger antlered deer....oh, excuse me, they say that "most" hunters want that. (I still don't buy that.) Then on the other hand, they say their aim is to reduce doe populations to increase buck:doe ratio. Personally, I don't believe the 4 point restriction will accomplish either objective. To me, the best solution would have been the earn-a-buck. Open antlerless season early....meat hunters get an early chance to fill their freezer. Once their freezer is filled, they won't be out smacking 6 & 8 pointers to do it. Horn hunters have to get out and take out an antlerless, so they have the chance to get their wall hanger later, when antler season opens up. The antlered deer season length could be adjusted to accordingly to allow more/less deer to be taken.

[TOS]

OF: The MDC also feels the earn-a-buck system would have been best. But, from all of the input they received (only around 3000 mail-ins) around the state (from the meetings), most folks decided they wanted antler restrictions. I personally wanted a December season, but oh well. Everyone knows my thoughts on this. Now, to answer your thoughts regarding the fact of most hunters not wanting to kill larger bucks. That is pure BS. I know a lot of hunters, serious hunters. When we talk deer, we talk big bucks. Not freezer filling, but big bucks. Go to the bow shop that I frequent, and they don't ask about seeing does and filling freezers. They talk about big bucks. The folks I know, they want to see and kill big bucks. Anyone and their grandma can shoot a doe for the freezer. If they can't do it, then they don't know what the hell they are doing with respect to hunting. TOS

[TOS]

Big bucks, big bucks! No whammeees.

[Outdoorsfool]

TOS - I don't doubt you one bit...part of deer hunting is about the rack size. You can hear it at archery shops, gun shops, Bass Pro, check stations and at the slaughterhouse next door to me. First thing everyone wants to know is "buck or doe"...next question is usually "big'un?". Hell, I went into buck fever mode towards the end of 1st half of bow season last year when I saw that brute. But I don't believe that "most" hunters OVERALL want more restrictions that lead to bigger . Sure, EVERY deer hunter wants a monster buck, it's part of deer hunting. But to implement more restrictions to accomplish that is not representative of "most" hunters wishes. I'd like to see MDC's numbers to back up that claim. Trying to jude thousands of hunters by the response of 3,000 chosen hunters won't get you to "most", IMO.

"Big bucks, big bucks! No whammeees."

[oneshot]

TOS got to have the Does before you can shoot them,last 3 years they have just not been there but the MDC still insist on having Unlimited Tags.I did kill 4 Does and one Mature Buck last Season,but I never hunted so hard in my life.And that is what you hear around here no Deer or Turkeys.



Oh I was going for Mature Deer,because I wanted poundage for my Tag,wasn't worried about Horns.Jusy happened I did take a nice 8 point.



But you go 40 miles down the road and have more Deer than you can shake a stick at.



oneshot

The Big Grin killed them all with his Pea Shooter

[TOS]

I don't know or care if it will work and I sure as hell am not concerned about most hunters. I worry about myself and those areas around the HFA. In fact, they could have implemented changes for only the HFA, and I would have not seen any difference on my place. The neighbors may not be happy, but, I refer to my first sentence regarding that.

[TOS]

Oneshot: I know your pain. I looked at those regions where they are having unlimited doe kills and I still can't see the reasoning for it. Heck, I for sure would not go any further south than about Truman lake with that unlimited crapola. I have ranted till I am blue in the face about this unlimited stuff. TOS

[Outdoorsfool]

TOS - Is the rumor true that you'll be allowing people to fill unlimited anterless tags on HFA and HFA#2 this fall?

[hobiecat]

I heard that was the prize for the Campout/Cookoff!