Voluntary or Regulated?

[deerhunter10]

interesting

 

[EastTNHunter]

Voluntary/Education

 

[Donk]

How did that work out down at Natchez Trace wma a few years ago?

 

[Shed Hunter]

How did that work out down at Natchez Trace wma a few years ago?

Too many hunters complained because they couldn't kill deer so they quit doing it.

 

[BuckDropper]

I hunt John Tully WMA, which has a 9 point rule, and had to pass up on a 3.5 8 point last Thanksgiving. He was an easy 130" deer. I would rather have a choice than regulation.

 

[hunter0925]

I am mixed on the matter. I get tired of seeing little bucks killed that the hunter is not even proud of and throws the antlers in a bucket in the garage. On the other hand I don't want any more restrictions placed on hunting than what are necesary for a healthy herd. I believe education is the best route but what for those that refuse to learn? I reckon nothing is perfect.

 

[BSK]

Very tough call in some situations.

I'm always going to favor education over regulation, where hunter density will allow it, like in most Southeast states. However, in some of the Northern states, where hunters almost outnumber deer (and heavily outnumber the total number of antlered bucks, sometimes 2 or 3 to 1), I think SOME regulation is necessary to protect buck age structure. But I would rather see very low buck limits tried first, even if that means going beyond 1 buck limits and moving to a buck lottery system like is used on elk/mule deer in the West (or elk in the East). A state-regulated age-based restriction should be an absolute last resort, in my opinion.

 

[Bone Collector]

It should ALWAYS be the hunter's choice, what they shoot. They paid for the license, and they should be able to shoot what they want within the law as far as body count limits.

I hear horror stories like Buck Dropper's all the time when it comes to antler restrictions.

If a state does apply an AR then I think it should be in minimal areas, and should have a loop hole to get you out of a point count conundrum like BD's situation (ex. Laurel Hill 5 pts. on a side or 15" spread).

 

[Frank G]

Very tough call in some situations.

I'm always going to favor education over regulation, where hunter density will allow it, like in most Southeast states. However, in some of the Northern states, where hunters almost outnumber deer (and heavily outnumber the total number of antlered bucks, sometimes 2 or 3 to 1), I think SOME regulation is necessary to protect buck age structure. But I would rather see very low buck limits tried first, even if that means going beyond 1 buck limits and moving to a buck lottery system like is used on elk/mule deer in the West (or elk in the East). A state-regulated age-based restriction should be an absolute last resort, in my opinion.

Right again BSK X2