Effects of Antler Restrictions

[JimDog]

I hunt in Boone County, one of the counties that implemented antler restrictions last year. I was, and still am, in favor of antler restrictions, but I figgered it would be a few years before we would begin reaping the rewards. But I am already seeing a lot more bucks this year. Is anyone else who hunts in an antler restriction county seeing more bucks?

[Rafe Hollister]

Hmmmmm....I wonder if Dr. Smith has been seeing many bucks at his place. I've heard that his neighbor's been seeing a whole lot of deer.

[JimDog]

Hey you flockers. How bout some input on this? Inquiring minds want to know...

[fishin]

I don't hunt in any restricted counties and am really not for it as a general rule. I am glad that it is helping with antler size though and I am sure that it will be state wide in a few years.

I think that the bigger problem is the free for all tags and nuisance tags not point restrictions.

[Duck Me Runnin]

I'll let you know after opening weekend of rifle season.

[hobiecat]

After 1 mornin in the stand (granted I did see a nice 9ptr) up here in Columbia (antler restricted), and 3 mornins in the stand down in Neosho (no restrictions), I don't feel I am qualified to answer that question.

[Outdoorsfool]

Apparently this board cannot handle dissenting opinions of any kind, so therefore, I agree with everybody.

[Two Tall the Neanderthal]

I don't hunt in restricted counties myself, but I can tell you one thing I've come to realize, that low hunting pressure makes a world of difference. The in-laws farm sits next to a guy who has bought thousands of acres, and only he and his dad hunt it. I've seen the deer pops boom and the number of bucks go up substantially. Though it will be another year or two before they start to really mature. Even then it won't be a trophy type deal as it's in Cedar county and there isn't the best quality running around.

[2BHNTN]

JD, in the short time I was in the woods in the early season and in scouting prior to. I would have to say the restrictions are helping some. This will be my second season on this place so I don't have enough time into this place to be certain.