I heard a GW talking the other day....................

gmherps · 11-28-2005, 05:26 PM

and from what he said is that more counties will be adopting the antler restriction policy next deer season. For example, Bell Co will now be a 2 buck county, and the buck must be @ least 13" wide. Just what I heard fellas.

I personally think this is great. What y'all?

LostHawg · 11-29-2005, 10:24 AM

I don't like antler restrictions. This implies that we are only out hunting for the sake of a big rack of horns.

The fact remains that I, for one, hunt for the meat it provides. Besides, we have areas out here that inbreeding or whatever have caused deformities in racks. 5 and 6 year old bucks sporting 12" and less 6 pt head gear, spikes and off balanced racks.

The size of the rack is nothing more than "Trophy" status and there should be more to killing these animals than that.

So, make that 1 vote in opposition.

Bossbowman · 10-23-2006, 12:15 PM

Opposition against TPWD antler restrictions shows ignorance toward why they are making these regulations. These restrictions are to create a better age class not so there will be bigger racked bucks. The fact is we in texas are killing too many young bucks (3.5 years and younger) and not taking out enough does every year, this mentallity of everyone wants to shoot a buck must change or the buck doe ratio will get more and more lopsided. There need to be mature bucks for the rutting activity to occur as it should and create a shorter fawning season rather than a longer one which is bad. If you don't believe antler restrictions massively improve the health of a deer herd call the wildlife biologists at richland creek WMA, they have had 15 inch antler restrictions in place since 2000.

DoubleJ · 10-23-2006, 01:52 PM

If you want meat shoot does. Antler restrictions won't matter then and they're better eatin'. I own land in Colorado County which was one of the first counties to have the antler restrictions. It has been an overwhelming success there. The quality of the herd has improved dramatically.

LostHawg · 10-24-2006, 09:08 AM

Well, just paint me ignorant. :roll:

bowjunkie · 10-24-2006, 09:35 AM

Both sides are entitled to opinions, but lets keep it clean

My initial reaction was the same as Losthawgs and I did some digging before my view changed.

I now like the program as in the counties that have implemented it, the 'health' of the herd has improved. What was said above is valid; the biologists made the reccomendations based on the age structure of the herd and really nothing more then that. Sure, by nature of the program the bucks are getting bigger and better, but in nature the strong survive and in turn they pass on those genetics for a win win in future fawn crops benefitting both the buck and doe fawns. With the previous regs (as stated before) the bucks weren't getting mature (shoot anything with horns mentality) and it was leading to an explosion of does, an unhealthy balance and unhealthy herd due to inferior natural genetics and inbreeding.

If something wasn't done, then the decline of healthy mature bucks would/has lead/led to a decline of the overall deer population. As like any critter in nature, I've seen does run off young or inferior bucks while in estrus. There is a reason for a bucks rack; it not only aids them in a fight but it has been shown that given a choice, a doe will breed with the more agressive buck or will allow a buck with a bigger rack to breed her over a spike or basket buck.

I hope that some of the counties I hunt adopt the regs and that they even carry it over to the National Forest properties I hunt as well for a few years at least. And I'm strictly a 'meat hunter' as well.

LostHawg · 10-24-2006, 10:06 AM

I've stated my case several times before. And yes, I don't appreciate being called ignorant by someone who doesn't know my background.

You may continue with this conversation now.

rbridges00 · 10-24-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossbowman

Opposition against TPWD antler restrictions shows ignorance toward why they are making these regulations. These restrictions are to create a better age class not so there will be bigger racked bucks. The fact is we in texas are killing too many young bucks (3.5 years and younger) and not taking out enough does every year, this mentallity of everyone wants to shoot a buck must change or the buck doe ratio will get more and more lopsided. There need to be mature bucks for the rutting activity to occur as it should and create a shorter fawning season rather than a longer one which is bad. If you don't believe antler restrictions massively improve the health of a deer herd call the wildlife biologists at richland creek WMA, they have had 15 inch antler restrictions in place since 2000.

I'm mixed on the issue. I'm in agreement with LostHawg in that there are older bucks who will never meet the antler restriction, so it shouldn't be on antlers only and have some stipulation for age.

Now if the "true" reason is to encourage us to harvest more does, then why don't they allow for harvesting does or buck?

I have to agree that TPWD's main goal is $$$ and if they can advertise more "trophy" bucks, then they can charge more for licenses both resident and non-resident.

My .02 cents worth.

Bossbowman · 10-25-2006, 10:22 AM

There will be some mature buck that won't have a 13 inch spread but within a few years all those will eventually die off, and there will be fewer of these 'exception to the rule bucks' because you are allowed to shoot spikes as well in the antler restriction counties. The vast majority of those 'exection the rule bucks' were spikes as 1.5 year olds and the antler restriction rules help solve this problem.

rbridges00 · 10-25-2006, 11:29 AM

Again, I'm mixed. I still think there will be some narrow racked mature bucks breeding that will produce narrow racked off spring. This is a genetic trait that will continue to be passed on.

Not saying restrictions are bad, I just don't totally agree with motive.

MILNRICK · 10-26-2006, 09:45 AM

As DoubleJ said, antler restrictions work, and work well. I very seriously doubt that there

BUFF · 10-26-2006, 10:00 AM

As a land owner I look at it differently than a lot of folks. I agree whole heartedly with Losthawg that it gives the impression that we only hunt for horns ( just like PETA is telling everyone). My biggest heart burn is now Big Brother has stepped into my bedroom and is telling me how to manage deer on land I own and pay the taxes on. The state doesn't pay for the food plots, year round feeding program or the hours of labor to maintain my little place. If I want to let my grandson shoot a deer , That I probably have several hundred dollars invested in it is none of their darn business. I think it is just a new tax as they will no doubt fine lots of folks for shooting 12" deer.

Bossbowman · 10-26-2006, 11:11 AM

I know it gonna be difficult to convince the older hunters set in there ways about hunting but these restrictions are no different than the 14 inch length limit on bass. I fish a couple lakes (aquilla, fairfield) that have an 18 inch limit on largemouth, and guess what the fish populations are bigger and healthier. Its a culture change TPWD is trying to make with the next generation of outdoorsmen and I commend them on it.

LostHawg · 10-26-2006, 11:44 AM

I feel the same way about the slot limit on bass. And I agree with Buff almost to the letter.

Bossbowman · 10-26-2006, 05:01 PM

"My biggest heart burn is now Big Brother has stepped into my bedroom and is telling me how to manage deer on land I own and pay the taxes on. If I want to let my grandson shoot a deer , That I probably have several hundred dollars invested in it is none of their darn business."

By law you don't own the deer, the state of Texas does, I'm sure you know that but thats just the way it is.