JCTheGC

Show me where QDM uses points based AR as a part of the program - never seen it in my readings. Particularly interested in the value for QDM in shooting young 1.5 and 2.5 6 point bucks. AR allows younger less mature deer mature and grow. Shooting out the 1.5's is not going to mature the herd. http://www.hvqdma.com/biological-needs-for-antler-restriction/

SteveB I never said a 2.5 is a Mature deer. I said where AR's are in place a 2.5 was a mature deer, now the age structure is improving. Ideally, aging the bucks past 2.5+ : So, again, AR's are helping the deer mature, grow older, smarter and bigger. Where AR's are in place, there are very very very few "Mature" deer.

Where are you talking about? Some boondocks place where no one hunts with zero pressure and the deer can grow old and big... Understand this, a 2.5+ is a mature deer where AR's are in place, and the age structure is improving... Before it was 1.5's, now the 1.5's can survive rather then getting shot out, again, 75+% of all MALE deer taken in NYS were 1.5's. Those 1.5+'s that are now more mature, smarter, older will age the herd, the end result is a healthier more mature deer herd. The bonus to that are some larger racks and more meat.

Welcome! ;D

3J and 3H, and I am 110% for it, and so are 95% of the people I hunt and converse with in my area. It works, I have seen it with my own eyes. I see bucks running and sparing and fighting its just phenomenal! I not only see more deer, they are bigger and meatier. Everyone in my camp was a little skeptical, however after the 4th year, it was game on. (3rd year or so in 3H, 3J it was the 4th year I think when we really saw the improvement). I hope it continues and spreads to other counties, I have family in delaware county and all they see are spikes and 4's, they actually hunt by me when possible now because of the results of the antler restrictions.

Excellent article from a respected expert biologist. Despite what ^^^ others say, it was extremely meaningful and spot on. To bad these guys just don't get it, good thing they are not in my WMU.

No need to pay for it. Having you, Hunter and Fairgame dazzle me with your biological brilliance is all the pay I need! LOL You ignorance is the real enjoyment. Those guys are spot on, you brown its down people are a dying breed. Majority want a better herd and opportunity in NY.

Woodsdweller, congrats, we need more women and young hunters. I think that is a priceless moment. However, she could have had this same priceless moment under AR. And more then likely you and your children could have had more opportunities if AR was in place in your county. 1 Buck seen all season? In 3H and 3J I see bucks actually fighting, I never ever saw that before in my 15 years of hunting. There are 5's 6's 7's 8's in addition to the fawns and 1.5's running around now because of AR. Now that 1.5, or most of them, are protected because of AR, and now that buck will be bigger, smarter, next year. And he may give the same first time hunter an opportunity to be shot. I want my children who are 9 and 10 to have an opportunity to see bigger bucks, and not the same old spikes and 4's running around like the past 10 + years. I paid my childs lifetime license, and in fact he comes with me every year hunting even though he cain't shoot. 4 more years or so and he too can shoot at the same bucks I'm seeing running around, and he understands a deer is not something you get EVERY YEAR, a nice mature buck is not something guaranteed and you dont get them every year. But when you do, wow, its a great achievement, especially when its a more mature buck and not one thats been in this world for a year or so like 75% of the bucks taken in NYS because of the lack of AR.

I never said all to shoot, since AR has been in effect for a few years, the last few years have resulted in larger bucks. I used 2 years as a general example, because this year (and last) has resulted in larger bucks from both first hand experience and from others in AR Zones. That really is not my problem if those do not wish to hunt with different weapons. I guess they will have to suck it up for a few years, or put in the time and have patience to see that more mature buck to take with the weapon of their choice. I've gone years with out taking a buck, so I feel no pity for those who might have to do the same. In my WMU does are not low, they are all over as are the younger bucks. The issue is the bucks were getting nuked well before that 2.5 or 3.5 mark. Maybe 2.5 and 3.5 is young in YOUR WMU, however again due to pressure, etc, these bucks were not even making it to that mark.

I'm not pushing for statewide, I can only talk from my experience in my WMU. Your WMU might very well be doing fine with older, bigger mature bucks where the pressure is not there or the conditions are better. I don't think that anyone that commented on AR is for AR in other WMU's they are just mearly posting their experience for their AR WMU. And the same goes for whose in WMU's without AR, why should you have any business taking AR away or bashing it for that matter when you cain't talk from first hand experience. If your WMU is doing fine, thats awesome. But if AR can, even by the slightest chance give us some bigger bucks, why all the resistance. Lets just see what happens, and from what I have seen and others that have commented its been positive. If it doesn't work, then stop it, and lets move on and try something different. Doing nothing changes nothing.

Yeah, and in a couple of units where AR's are in effect in NYS chances of getting a doe permit are slim to none. I guess these hunters will be eating their tags instead? Yup, i guess they will. Then in two years or so they can go eat all the bone they want with the bigger bucks they will get. Or maybe pickup a muzzle or bow and get some doe. Or get a DMP transferred from a friend, or get a nuisance permit from a farmer, or get a land owners permit for having more then 50 acres.

All I KNOW is that I see way bigger bucks being taken in non AR areas around NYS. Plus the guys who don't care what type of buck they shoot can still take the spike of forkhorn if they so desire. That is how it should be. NYS is a big area, Where are you? Compairing a NON-AR area to WNY or other area's were bucks tend to be larger and older is not apples to apples. Compair a WMU in 3 with AR to a WMU in 3 with out AR then there is a study, other then that your comment is worthless. I see it works in my area with AR, as do others. Again what others said, those in the WMU with AR love it. Those who reject it are those in a non AR WMU. No I you can not eat bone, do I care what I shoot, nah not really. But it sure if fun seeing some bigger bucks now with AR in WMU 3! If you don't want it, go fight it all you want in your WMU, just don't touch mine.

Cool, and nice job!

Sweet Have fun up there and a take a bunch of pics!

Maybe I'm ignorant. But how is arguing about AR and crossbows give the Anti's any additional material. I mean with Crossbows the arguments are it shoots farther, it shoots more accurate, gives an advantage (Or Not depending on the view). The AR is about growing (or Not) bigger bucks, improve herd (again or not).

Whats the mag cost?

Hello SplitG2 and welcome

Welcome, maybe someone has some advise for some public land up there for you on here.

Nice pictures! I love the trail camera pics, love those plots even more

Fairgame - did you decide to do them?

Just curious, Camo Facemasks? Do you wear them or cover your face at all? I don't but after having a deer stare me down last season I think it might be time for one.

Check out the other post here: http://huntingny.com/forums/index.php/topic,433.0.html

Welcome Ken, Cool site too.

Tony, Welcome! Where do yo hunt?

Welcome !!