I looked and didn't see a thread on this yet, so is the consensus on the one buck rule? Has it made a difference in your state? I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this as I've seen a lot of discussion lately on hunting forums in Indiana...
I'm afraid if Ohio did not have it there would be no bucks left. I would like to see antler restrictions also like some western states. I believe it would alleviate some of the deer drive "spray and pray attitude"
Yeah, For a few years where I live you couldn't shoot a buck unless it had 4 3 inch tines on one side.How would antler restrictions work? I'm sorry I'm not quiet sure what that term means. As in only 6 pts or above like some guided outfitters? Because I'm still at the stage that I'll be happy with a 4 pts. Not trying to be smartass, serious question about how this restriction would work.
When I hunted Colorado they had implemented a four pt. restriction. I believe it not only allowed the young buck to grow up but also prevented some from shooting at running deer that they could not possibly judge. Maybe prevent some of the wounding losses. JMO though. In Ohio we can kill any buck w/over a 3" spike. He's not had a chance to make it past his first fall of the year. We are also one buck, hard and fast rule, w/a total of six deer statewide.How would antler restrictions work? I'm sorry I'm not quiet sure what that term means. As in only 6 pts or above like some guided outfitters? Because I'm still at the stage that I'll be happy with a 4 pts. Not trying to be smartass, serious question about how this restriction would work.
Here we have 3 type areas. The general state rule is 3 points on one side but there are certain areas that have no restrictions and there are also some areas that follow a different standard which is a buck has to have either a 15" inside spread or a main beam at least 18" long. AR's have proven to make a difference in the quality of bucks you will see here and in other states because it offers some protection for the younger age class bucks. It's not a golden bullet to have giant bucks but it does have merit.How would antler restrictions work? I'm sorry I'm not quiet sure what that term means. As in only 6 pts or above like some guided outfitters? Because I'm still at the stage that I'll be happy with a 4 pts. Not trying to be smartass, serious question about how this restriction would work.
Just to make sure I'm following, you had to shoot essentially a basket rack 8 point? That seems potentially overkill IMO.Yeah, For a few years where I live you couldn't shoot a buck unless it had 4 3 inch tines on one side.
I wasn't real clear, that was the minimum - 4 3 inch on one side. Bigger was ok too. And to really muddy things up that was only in 3 or 5 counties in the state ( MI) I guess it was for a CWD study of some sortJust to make sure I'm following, you had to shoot essentially a basket rack 8 point? That seems potentially overkill IMO.
How would antler restrictions work? I'm sorry I'm not quiet sure what that term means. As in only 6 pts or above like some guided outfitters? Because I'm still at the stage that I'll be happy with a 4 pts. Not trying to be smartass, serious question about how this restriction would work.
That sucks, in west TN right now it is basically open season on all deer because of CWD.I wasn't real clear, that was the minimum - 4 3 inch on one side. Bigger was ok too. And to really muddy things up that was only in 3 or 5 counties in the state ( MI) I guess it was for a CWD study of some sort
When I hunted Colorado they had implemented a four pt. restriction. I believe it not only allowed the young buck to grow up but also prevented some from shooting at running deer that they could not possibly judge. Maybe prevent some of the wounding losses. JMO though. In Ohio we can kill any buck w/over a 3" spike. He's not had a chance to make it past his first fall of the year. We are also one buck, hard and fast rule, w/a total of six deer statewide.
NO... That is not the MD rule lol. A one antlered spike buck is still an antlered deer if its over 3" . Careful what youre shootinOk that is logical and I can go on board with that. So Maryland is a little more simple, basically if less than 2 pts, its considered a doe. I'm just curious on how this would be enforced outside of a guided hunt agreement since you're not going to pay $600 to have someone guide you to hunt a doe. So are bucks 3-5 pts off limit completely? or would they be consider doe? Because I don't understand what would stop others (I would include myself on this group) from shooting at 4 pts and just burning a doe tag on it legally.
So the restriction would keep hunters like you from harvesting the young deer that other hunters are passing up. That deer gets to walk all season and possibly breed and keeps the buck:doe ratio more even. Also more "quality" bucks walking around. I dont really care either way but thats the idea behind it. A lot of hunters like it. Kinda like increasing the size limit on a fish. it sucks at first but then 5 years later it starts to make sense. Ive watched it work with Hogfish in FL. 5 fish limit 12" to 1 fish limit 16" and a shortened season. Hogfish are around again. I was mad at first but realized a few of us could wipe out the whole reef in a few weeks and we were. woops
MD does have antler restrictions so just a heads up...
White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits Antlered Deer – Statewide
Definition: An antlered white-tailed deer is a deer with two or more points to one antler, or a deer with at least one antler three or more inches long, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
Antler Point Restriction: Deer hunters may harvest one antlered deer during a license year within the established statewide bag limit (including bonus antlered deer) that does not meet the requirement of having at least three points on one antler. Any remaining antlered deer taken within the established bag limit must have at least three points on one antler. Antlered deer can be taken in any order. Junior hunters (16 years old or younger) and apprentice license holders are exempt from the three antler point requirement.
I wouldnt mind a 1 buck limit in MD. would keep a lot of PA boys from waltzin across that line haha.