I'm speaking for my area (west side). I always hold out for a bigger buck for a couple reasons. 1) I love being in the woods with a gun hunting, and 2) I love mature blacktails. I didn't get one last year, because I held out to the last minute. (Still had a great time) Took all last week off, had plenty of shots at smaller bucks, but ended modern season empty handed. That's my personal choice. Ten years ago it would be a different story. I would have shot one of the smaller bucks I'd seen both seasons. I'm in a different place in my hunting life right now though. That will probably change again in another 10 years
I really like the way it is right now. IMO there is no shortage of big bucks in my area, and I don't think that people shooting the smaller bucks has any affect on the amount of big buck success. Like others have mentioned it's location, and genes.
If we put restrictions on buck size, all were doing is making it harder for new hunters to be successful, and possibly losing potential fellow hunters. (we need all the allies we can get) My son is 15, and has shot 4 deer. 2- spikes, and 2- 2x2. all 4 young deer (obviously). He is hooked for life, and gets as pumped as I do when I get a mature buck. He most likely would be still looking for his first buck, if there was a point restriction. I know that his interest in hunting would not be as strong it is now.
I know that a lot of people on here complain about the amount of people in the woods. It really doesn't bother me. I enjoy talking to some of the guys I run into, and will give them honest advice if they ask. Most of them don't go far, and are just trying to figure things out. I'll even give them advice on small bucks I've seen in different cuts. Maybe they'll fill a tag , and will 1) be done hunting that area for the year, and 2) keep hunting for years to come. Anymore Restrictions on any of our hunting privileges is BAD
