moog5050

whats your opinion of this rule if you planned to abide by it? In favor or opposed and why? I am more interested in your opinion on this than whether others lied about hunting for big racks.

Its YOU not the TC that is whacko, although I suspect Phade was taking a shot at me in gest. Great MZ, by the way.

Not arguing this at all. I don't claim to know what is important to most hunters. I was pointing out that (1) you and Antler are not the only people that have stated that mature deer are targets; (2) you too should be opposed to this new rule; (3) using the new rule and outrage against it to mock others is not productive; and (4) most importantly, whether one hunts mature deer or just any deer, freedom to choose is a good reason to be against this rule change. Simple enough. AND, I will not sink to personal attacks regardless of what you may think I am "full of." As a hunter with many years under your belt (and having more knowledge of deer than most), you can be a positive mature leader, not a mud slinger. Of course, you are free to conduct yourself as you choose, regardless of its reflection.

Well I responded that I want to kill a mature buck for one and, as explained, there are reasons beyond a personal desire to kill a big buck to oppose this rule change. Plus, other than the fact that you claim to do what you want regardless of the rules, this is something that you should find offensive with your stated goals. Using it to mock others is not productive and I would hope that you would want your co-hunters to enjoy a well managed state regardless of their views. This issue is bigger than your opportunity to try to cast others as liars, IMO. Bash away if you like though.

Not true FSW.

I, for one, want a crack at a nice mature buck. But, more importantly, I value the choice and will give high fives to anyone that is happy about a spike. In addition to not being narrowly tailored to fit the goal of doe reduction (whatever that specific, unstated goal may be), this rule change eliminates choice for a period of time. Thus, even some meat hunters may find it unpalatable. I know I would even if I didn't care about rack size.

I was in agreement with you Phade until you called me a "Whacko" for owning a TC. All bets off now.

Belo You look about as happy as the buck in that photo. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Might be true DB, but shame on anyone complaining now that didn't take the time to submit comments.

This stems from an ill-conceived plan and a department refusing to acknowledge the shortfalls of the plan. "Just press forward with the plan and hope because its too late or too hard to develop a new plan."

Oh, I understand that. I was suggesting sarcastically that DEC is ignoring the purpose of a commentary period.

Just curious, other than those that don't care because it doesn't affect their areas, is anyone in support of this change? If so, why? I know I voiced opposition during the comment period. I seriously question whether there was any meaningful support for this decision by public comment. If not, what is the purpose of asking for comments? So many have articulated why this is not a good strategy for reducing doe population, but I have yet to see any explanation of how it will achieve the goal. Personally, I can see EAB, Sept. doe only season, or designating some portion of the gun season as doe only (among other options) as being much more effective.

Impressive trophy collection for sure. Congrats

I think we had 15 among my hunting friends ... 29 not counted

Just curious, am I in a small percentage of hunters that process their own deer? I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that many hunters don't use processors.

Interesting response (or utter disinterest) by the locals for sure.

depending on how the great the elevation change is, the leeward side of the hill going down to the creek should be a good travel route, especially in the morning with the predominant wind blowing over the hill and the thermals rising from the leeward side. Big bonus, its also a funnel with the creek there. about where phade put the "j"

C'mon now Espresso. Statement is a bit broad. All wealthy people have a sense of entitlement is the same as saying all hunters poach. Individual actions speak to the individual, not a class he may belong to.

Over time, my decisions and the factors that influence them have changed but at present: If I have the tag, I will release an arrow on any buck that I believe to be 3.5 or older. I pass the younger bucks hoping they grow. I am fortunate enough to hunt properties where I have plenty of opportunities and don't need the younger bucks for meat. While we do have targets every season, I am not at the stage where I will pass one mature buck waiting on another. Regarding doe, there are many reasons why I may or may not draw. To name a few: (1) early season and no time to butcher = no draw; (2) mom and fawn = no draw; (3) simply don't feel like butchering that day = no draw; (4) patterned a mature buck and waiting on him = no draw; (5) rut time = no draw; (6) hunting with buddies waiting on their buck = no draw; (7) mature doe that has busted me more than once = draw; ( need more meat for the freezer = draw; (9) been sitting for weeks straight and getting itchy = draw; (10) difficult drag in certain properties = no draw. Obviously some of these overlap and may result in a changed decision, but in short, if its a mature buck and I have a tag, I will shoot it. If its a smaller buck, I will pass since I can fill my freezer with doe. I have sufficient interactions with doe that they are secondary. I certainly kill my fair share, but try not to let chasing doe interfere with my or my friend's quest to fill the buck tag and otherwise several factors play a role in that decision. Last year I shot two doe on a property just because I wanted to kill deer on that property. It was some return on my investment so to speak. Does that make me a trophy hunter, meat hunter or some combo. I guess it some combo but it really doesn't matter. Every hunter should be content with the deer they choose to shoot. The opinions of others are irrelevant. Edit - no idea why that icon popped up but it should be an 8.

I am just breaking chops. I agree that it lays out well. Once the corn is cut, he can probably sit in the middle of that hedgerow and cover the edges of the entire back field in gun.

LOL - to summarize - put a stand every 50yds around the field. AND don't forget 30 plus cameras.

Keep in mind pressure by other hunters too. If the neighboring property is hunted, it may impact the best places on your place.

I guess Rob and I had similar thoughts. lol

A few places I would consider based on this arial assuming w-sw predominant wind. Boots on the ground are also key. Good luck

axis deer for sure - are you in sri lanka