Mike Belt":30jo2elb said:I keep reading a lot of posts with projected results from regulation changes concerning Tn destined to become a trophy status state. Personally, I just don't see it. Any changes made may or may not possibly result in more deer available to hunt but just as water seeks it's on level, Tn is only capable of producing what it will. There have been deer present in the state for almost half a century and to my knowledge, Tn has never been classified a trophy destination. It would seem that the major reduction in limits over 10 years ago from 11 bucks/season down to 3 and then 2 would have netted some results towards that aspiration. I'm sure there have been some whoppers taken over the course of those years but not enough to re-classify our standings.
So-o-o, I'm interested in hearing thoughts on why some feel we're headed that direction. What will make the deer in Tn do that they have never been able to do in the past? Just what makes a trophy state? Is it the number of deer available for hunting? Is it the limits? Is it the size of the top end bucks or more likely, the number of mature bucks available to hunt, even though most may never reach record book status?
Its called "Perception" and although TN deer might not be as big as IA deer they are prolly bigger than FL deer and then add in a very long firearms season, over the counter tags, very liberal bag limits, and relatively cheap lease prices. It doesnt take long to see why it would appeal to out of staters. When IL changed their regs and implemented a draw system and jacked the non-resident license price, it caused KY to look very good to alot of non-residents. I 've had alot of guys tell me they cant justify paying big money for lease without any guarantee of getting drawn, so they just come to KY. Plus its closer to home for these guys as most are from FL, GA, and AL..... The landscape of deer hunting as really changed in KY and the local residents have suffered....Our Dept of fish & wildlife sold us out!!! :bash: