Sullivan, Schoharie, and Greene are a few counties in the Catskills that are in support of antler restrictions. The DEC sees no biological evidence that antler restrictions will help the overall deer herd and as such are requiring strong hunter interest for the restrictions to take effect. Youth hunters would continue to be exempt from such regulations.
In areas with current antler restrictions most hunters reported an increase in satisfaction and felt the antler restrictions should remain in place.
Across the state the strongest support for antler restrictions remains in the Southeastern region. However, the area still falls slightly below the DEC's two-thirds requirement. Experimental antler restrictions could end up in a few more WMUs in this region.
Another issue that has been a hot topic recently is the amount of buck tags issued in New York. However, the majority of hunters across the state oppose a one buck limit.
What are your thoughs on antler regulations and a one buck limit in New York State?
I think it is a great idea. We have already seen a difference in the quality of bucks harvested in the regions where the restrictions are in place. Just looking at the awesome pictures that get posted on this site is enough motivation to get this started.
ReplyDeleteHere in Pennsylvania(north east)the antler restrictions have been in place for several years.Speaking for myself and those I know we agree with the regs.the down side,to us,is the 2 week doe season its bad,esp running with buck season.
ReplyDeleteThere are areas where there are too many doe but in general we are seeing less deer because of the lengthy doe season!