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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 5:56:28 GMT -5
Can you remember a day when this one would have been good enough?  Today, everyone holds out for one like this.  |
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Post by Dutch on Jan 14, 2013 6:09:55 GMT -5
I am amazed at the size and numbers of large bucks PA now has. Those that say we always had bucks like we do now, are not being truthful.
I think it was 1971 when my uncle shot a 14 inch 9 point at our camp in Tioga County. Everyone was enamored of that buck. Today, that buck probably would get a pass by most that I hunt with.
I also believe that in some sections of this state, it is no longer the AR's that are allowing these bucks to get older, but simply, much lower hunter numbers.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 6:20:35 GMT -5
I think that we always did have a few bucks like this, Dutch. The difference is that seeing such bucks as the second one in my post is now pretty common where fifteen years ago it was quite rare. Giving the bucks a pass their first year has had a tremendous impact. There is no credible question about that. Just as an asside, my son in law passed on the buck in the second photo during flintlock season as he had lost one antler. Crawford will not take a buck that he would not want to get mounted. I am not that much of a trophy hunter as he is.
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Post by Dutch on Jan 14, 2013 7:03:41 GMT -5
Yes, I misstated. We did have bucks like you have in the pic, but not in the numbers we do now.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 8:23:46 GMT -5
I remember those days too Mutt and will agree AR is a big part of why we are seeing large horns these day. Other reasons than just another year old playing out here also.
Counting points: How many AR legal deer live another day because we can't count them points? I know in my case, since AR began, there were a 1/2 dozen times I just wasn't sure of the point count on decent racks?
Hunting methods: When I broke into hunting my mentors lived and died by large groups driving deer. I remember we would not even attempt a drive unless a least 10-12 guys showed up that day. Yeah I know that you can push them with smaller numbers, but these ole boys just didn't want to push them (to someone else), they wanted to harvest them. Times have changed.
Numbers: We all know that our ranks have fallen, not as many guys in the woods and for those who are, they are snuggled up as warm as toast in the tree stands and blinds. High tech clothing has changed the way we hunt.
Unhuntable land: For what ever reason, there is a lot of land off limits today that protect deer during hunting seasons. Housing developments and just plain old posted land adds age to deer.
Times have changed and I am sure that things will continue to change whether we like it or not.
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Post by Dutch on Jan 14, 2013 13:54:40 GMT -5
You said a mouthful there!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 14:07:26 GMT -5
Ancient Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 16:56:06 GMT -5
Ancient Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times." None of my fortune cookies forcast ever came true. lol |
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