One thing that everyone seems to agree on is to get rid of corn piles. Whether you are upset because someone else is pulling "your deer" or you actually give a shit about the health of it, we all agree that it is bad. So if we are to band together to try and make a change, why don't we focus on that. I also realize that banning it would be extremely hard to regulate. As this feeder is for squirrels and this one is for birds. So I suggest a limit of some sort. 2 gallons? 5 pounds? I don't know how much would be a good amount, that is for the professionals to decide.
Next, why don't we push for mandatory bow hunters education. We could incorporate what to do after the shot in this class. I think with these two things we could greatly increase the odds of successful hunters. This would help recruitment but lower hunting pressure. How? Because a well place shot gets a hunter in and out of the woods. Most even for a season as the records show most hunters only kill one deer. By not taking the opportunity from these hunters by banning anything, we increase the odds of success by education.
If the state wants to focus on antler growth because of the money generated, I suggest they do this for public access land. Not privately owned land. I don't think it is right to force a property owner to grow giant bucks. I'm sure we all remember our first buck and it had nothing to do with inches. It is likely the most prized buck of a person's life. It doesn't matter if it happens at 13 or 50, that first buck is always something special. I would hate to take that away from anyone because of an antler restriction or any other kind of restriction/ban on private land as this is where it often happens.
These are my thoughts after a few nights of sleeping on it and many talks with members and nonmembers over that time.
Next, why don't we push for mandatory bow hunters education. We could incorporate what to do after the shot in this class. I think with these two things we could greatly increase the odds of successful hunters. This would help recruitment but lower hunting pressure. How? Because a well place shot gets a hunter in and out of the woods. Most even for a season as the records show most hunters only kill one deer. By not taking the opportunity from these hunters by banning anything, we increase the odds of success by education.
If the state wants to focus on antler growth because of the money generated, I suggest they do this for public access land. Not privately owned land. I don't think it is right to force a property owner to grow giant bucks. I'm sure we all remember our first buck and it had nothing to do with inches. It is likely the most prized buck of a person's life. It doesn't matter if it happens at 13 or 50, that first buck is always something special. I would hate to take that away from anyone because of an antler restriction or any other kind of restriction/ban on private land as this is where it often happens.
These are my thoughts after a few nights of sleeping on it and many talks with members and nonmembers over that time.