3 point or better basically saved the Valley herd or postponed its destruction for many years. It started in the Gardner unit and then because of its success or need expanded into the rest of the units. Basically a horde of people from Western Washington descends on the Valley every year plus the local pressure and there weren't enough animals to go around. ALL bucks were wiped out. Nothing to breed the doe. By making it three point or better, it allowed some extra escapement. Once a deer has a year or two under its belt, it has a better chance of survival Doe were bred and life goes on. Yes, draw only would be a way to provide less pressure. I was extremely against it in the past as I loved to hunt every year. I now see something needs to be done. I practice self restraint and ripped up my tag this year. I doubt there are very many who do the same. I feel the herd is in such bad condition I didn't feel right harvesting a deer when I don't need to.
3 point or better a bad thing....hogwash. It was a way to force people to have some restraint, allow hunting for all that wanted to do it. Antler restrictions are a valid tool, and they aren't the devil.
Hunting will be gone here shortly. We view it as a lifestyle or tradition, but the reality is its a way to harvest excess game animals. With the introduction or comeback of the wolves, there will be no need for hunting. Honestly it was the best way for tree huggers to finally end hunting. Checkmate!
