Zone 3 changes

[Joe@deerhunters]

Any thoughts on the rule changes for zone 3 this fall for deer hunting?

[deadeye]

I don't hunt there so I am currently not directly affected by the rules.  I do realize the changes may well make their way into other zones.  For the past 5-6 years we have not (on purpose) shot small bucks.  Our guidelines require at least an 8 point (no baskests).  Many 1.5 year olds have 4 points on a side so I don't see the change doing much to increase the age of the bucks taken.  It will require people to look before shooting so I'm sure some that would have been shot will not get by.  I don't agree with the change to stop cross tagging bucks.  Some places say no cross tagging bucks and others say no party hunting for bucks.  Which is it?  I believe it means you can only shoot one buck.  After you shoot a buck, can you assist another hunter in his attempt to shoot a buck?   

[Randy Kaar]

Besides my little chunk of heaven, We hunt 3 different properties besides mine. The owner of the other 3 says if you shoot a buck it better be a wall hanger. We have adopted that rule with my property also.

randy

[Joe@deerhunters]

How do you feel about it being madatory by law?

[deadeye]

I am taking a watch and see approach to the law.  It obviously has a bigger impact on people who hunt public land.  Being we currently follow a QDM plan that exceeds the one mandated by this law, it wouldn't effect us much except for one thing... Neighboring properties would have to follow the law now so that would only help us.  The one thing I am afraid of with these two changes is the possibility that quite a few "small" bucks may be left in the field.  Not just due to wanton disregard for the regulations but by honest mistakes.  Over the past years, our group has taken a few small bucks that were mistaken for does.  No big deal, someone has to tag it with a buck tag.  (even if the shooter had already tagged a buck).  A few years ago one guy shot a huge 8 point.  Or so he thought until he noticed both browtines were broken.  Under the new law, this buck would be illegal.  Under the new law it would it be left in the woods.  Yes, I know count before shooting.  But, when you see a big rack, you assume it's gotta be at least 4 on a side. 
How's that for a non committal response.  I feel like a politician.   

[Mayfly]

I think it is a great thing. My biggest complaint is that there are only doing it in one zone but I am patient and can see this spreading though-out the state. I am sure that most of the disgruntled hunters will have big grins across their faces in a couple years when they see the difference that it will make. I also support no party hunting and/or cross tagging. I think that is the most abused regulation we have and am glad to see it on its way out. Slowly but surely that will be a state-wide deal as well.

Deadeye made some great points and I hope the DNR is reading. There needs to be more time spent on the regs and less gray and more black and white. These questions need to be answered in the regs book. If it needs to be an inch thicker than so be it. It needs to be clear as possible so when they throw the book at someone there is no question.

[Go Big Red!]

I think it is a great thing. My biggest complaint is that there are only doing it in one zone but I am patient and can see this spreading though-out the state. I am sure that most of the disgruntled hunters will have big grins across their faces in a couple years when they see the difference that it will make. I also support no party hunting and/or cross tagging. I think that is the most abused regulation we have and am glad to see it on its way out. Slowly but surely that will be a state-wide deal as well.

Deadeye made some great points and I hope the DNR is reading. There needs to be more time spent on the regs and less gray and more black and white. These questions need to be answered in the regs book. If it needs to be an inch thicker than so be it. It needs to be clear as possible so when they throw the book at someone there is no question.

Keep in mind, the DNR is enforcement of those fuzzy details, it's out elected officials who write those confusing and down right wordy regs.

I'm not yet sold on the idea of a point minimum.  It can definitely help improve QDM but it's going to meet with some resistance.  (I think this topic also came up in any earlier post)  And people can throw out the word "tradition" when it comes to deer camp.  Tradition to shoot bucks only or tradition to shoot minimum points, or etc.  And as far as I'm concerned, party hunting or deer drives is a tradition.  Will this "no party" hunting also eliminate drives? 

I will be very curious to see how this shakes out....